Modified release gamma- hydroxybutyrate formulations having improved pharmacokinetics

ABSTRACT

Modified release formulations of gamma-hydroxybutyrate having improved dissolution and pharmacokinetic properties are provided, and therapeutic uses thereof.

PRIOR APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to United States Provisional Patent Application Nos. 62/365,812 (filed Jul. 22, 2016), 62/399,413 (filed Sep. 25, 2016), and 62/474,330 (filed Mar. 21, 2017). The content of the foregoing applications is hereby incorporated by reference and made a part hereof as if fully contained herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to modified release formulations of gamma-hydroxybutyrate having improved pharmacokinetic (PK) properties, and to therapeutic uses thereof.

BACKGROUND

Narcolepsy is a devastating disabling condition. The cardinal symptoms are excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), cataplexy (a sudden loss of muscle tone triggered by strong emotions, seen in approximately 60% of patients), hypnogogic hallucination (HH), sleep paralysis (SP), and disturbed nocturnal sleep (DNS). Other than EDS, DNS is the most common symptom seen among narcolepsy patients.

The diagnosis of narcolepsy rests in part on clinical grounds. When narcolepsy is suspected, it is standard practice to administer an overnight polysomnogram (PSG) followed by a multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) to document the rapid eye movement (REM) abnormality that characterizes the disorder. On the MSLT a mean sleep latency less than or equal to 8 minutes and two or more sleep onset REM periods (SOREMPs) are required to confirm a diagnosis of Type 1 or Type 2 narcolepsy. It is also possible, but infrequently preferred, that narcolepsy be diagnosed by measuring hypocretin in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in cases where the PSG and/or MSLT is not completed. For these cases, a hypocretin concentration of less than 110 pg/nL confirms a narcolepsy Type 1 diagnosis.

One of the major treatments for narcolepsy is sodium oxybate, a neuroactive agent with a variety of Central Nervous System (CNS) pharmacological properties. The species is present endogenously in many tissues, where it acts as a neurotransmitter on a gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) receptor (GHBR), and possesses neuromodulatory properties with significant effects on dopamine and gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA). Studies have suggested that sodium oxybate improves Rapid Eye Movement Sleep (REM sleep, REMS) of narcoleptics in contrast to antidepressant drugs.

Sodium oxybate is also known as sodium 4-hydroxybutanoate, or gamma-hydroxybutyric acid sodium salt, and has the following chemical structure:

Sodium oxybate is marketed commercially in the United States as Xyrem®. The product is formulated as an immediate release liquid solution that is taken once immediately before bed, and a second time approximately 2.5 to 4 hours later, in equal doses. Sleep-onset can be dramatic and fast, and patients are advised to be sitting in bed when consuming the dose. The most commonly reported side effects are confusion, depressive syndrome, incontinence and sleepwalking.

When initiating treatment with sodium oxybate, careful titration up to an adequate level is essential both to obtain positive results and avoid adverse effects. The recommended starting dose is 4.5 g divided into 2 equal doses of 2.25 g, the first taken at bedtime and the second taken 2.5 to 4 hours later. The starting dosage can be decreased to 3.0 g/day or increased to as high as 9.0 g/day in increments of 1.5 g/day (0.75 g per dose). Two weeks are recommended between dosage adjustments to optimize reduction of daytime symptoms and minimize side effects. The ideal dose will provide an effective eight hours of sleep but, at the end of eight hours, very little of the drug will remain in the patient's bloodstream to affect the patient's wakefulness.

The requirement to take Xyrem® twice each night is a substantial inconvenience to narcolepsy patients. The patient must typically set an alarm to take the second dose, which can interrupt ongoing productive sleep. Several efforts have been made to provide a once-nightly modified release dosage form of sodium oxybate, but none has yet received approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) or proven effective in the clinic.

One of the biggest drawbacks of these once-nightly formulations is the reduction in bioavailability that occurs when sodium oxybate is formulated in a modified release dosage form, as measured by the blood concentration/time area under the curve (“AUC”). U.S. 2012/0076865 A1 by Allphin et al. (“Allphin”), for example, conducted two separate crossover bioavailability trials involving three separate modified release formulations and an immediate release solution, and reported the following bioavailability results:

Summary of PK Parameterse for Treatments A, B, C AUClast AUCinf λ_z T_(1/2) Tmax Cmax (hr * (hr * (1/hr) (hr) (hr)^(a) (ug/ml) ug/ml) ug/ml) Treatment A N 29 29 29 29 29 29 Mean 1.22 0.6 4.50 130.79 350.84 351.2 SD 0.27 0.13 (0.5, 4.75) 31.52 116.74 116.74 CV % 21.93 22.61 24.1 33.27 33.24 Mean 1.19 0.58 127.3 333.33 333.72 Treatment B N 18 18 19 19 19 18 Mean 0.62 1.22 2.00 41.78 188.23 196.25 SD 0.16 0.40 (1.50, 5.00) 18.40 103.60 102.50 CV % 26.44 32.58 44.03 55.04 52.23 Mean 0.59 1.17 38.46 163.80 173.33 Treatment C N 19 19 19 19 19 19 Mean 0.74 0.99 2.50 50.49 221.64 222.60 SD 0.16 0.23 (1.00, 5.00) 15.83 106.85 106.80 CV % 22.25 22.93 31.35 48.21 47.98 Mean 0.72 0.96 48.10 200.08 201.12 Treatment A N 30 30 30 30 30 30 Mean 1.08 0.71 4.50 114.59 301.28 301.59 SD 0.31 0.27 (0.50, 5.50) 27.91 100.85 100.87 CV % 29.00 37.90 24.36 33.47 33.45 Mean 1.03 0.67 111.20 285.47 285.79 Treatment D N 30 30 30 30 30 30 Mean 0.46 1.63 0.75 25.10 64.44 65.58 SD 0.14 0.47 (0.50, 2.50) 7.33 20.36 20.26 CV % 30.27 29.00 29.20 31.60 30.90 Mean 0.44 1.56 24.10 61.31 62.55 Treatment E N 30 30 30 30 30 30 Mean 0.59 1.36 1.00 59.52 242.30 243.80 SD 0.20 0.64 (0.50, 5.00) 17.72 117.15 116.79 CV % 34.57 46.91 29.77 48.35 47.91 Mean 0.55 1.25 56.89 216.33 218.12 Treatment A: Two 3 g IR doses administered four hours apart Treatment B: One 6 g CR dose administered at time zero (no IR component) Treatment C: One 6 g CR dose administered at time zero (no IR component) Treatment D: One 4 g dose including IR and CR fractions administered at time zero Treatment E: One 8 g dose including IR and CR fractions administered at time zero

As can be seen, mean AUC_(inf), which measures the total exposure of the body to sodium oxybate for a given dose, was significantly less for the doses having a modified release component when compared to the immediate release doses. Mean AUC_(inf) for Treatment B, which included the exact same dose of sodium oxybate as Treatment A, was only 56% of the mean AUC_(inf) for Treatment A; mean AUC_(inf) for Treatment C, which also included the same dose of sodium oxybate as Treatment A, was only 63% of the mean AUC_(inf) for Treatment A; mean AUC_(inf) for Treatment E was only 81% of the mean AUC_(inf) of Treatment A, even though Treatment E dosed 2 g more of sodium oxybate than Treatment A, which, compared to same dose, represented only 61% of the mean AUC_(inf) of Treatment A. Mean AUC_(inf) for Treatment D was only 22% of the mean AUC_(inf) of Treatment A, although Treatment D dosed 2 g less of sodium oxybate than Treatment A, which, compared to same dose, represented only 33% of the mean AUC_(inf) of Treatment A. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 14 of U.S. 2012/0076865 A1, Allphin's formulations also suffered from an excess of sodium oxybate remaining in the bloodstream at 8 hours.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,193,211 to Liang et al. (“Liang”) reports even lower bioavailability from his once-nightly formulations. Liang developed several enterically coated delayed release formulations of sodium oxybate, and tested these formulations in dogs alongside an immediate release formulation to compare the relative pharmacokinetics (PK) of these formulations. The results of Liang's testing are reported below:

Mean GHB Concentrations (ug/mL) Period 1 2 3 4 Time Point (Hr) DR1-w/ Acid DR1-No Acid IR DR2 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.5 0.00 0.00 116.04 0.00 1 0.00 4.76 248.27 1.53 2 4.99 11.62 195.51 32.52 3 26.31 31.88 117.56 100.99 4 35.14 38.26 47.21 100.57 5 29.18 34.77 8.74 54.99 6 21.09 27.83 0.00 23.42 7 11.25 9.13 0.00 7.52 8 8.67 2.53 0.00 0.34 10 1.43 3.03 0.00 0.00 12 0.98 0.67 0.00 0.00 14 0.43 0.00 0.00 0.00 Tmax (Hr) 4.2 5.2 1.2 3.7 Cmax (ug/mL) 38.77 58.44 249.5 112.7 AUClast 134.3 162.6 601.0 318.4 Rel BA 22% 27% 100% 53% DR1-w/ Acid: Two 1 g DR capsules administered at time zero DR1-No Acid: Two 1 g DR capsules administered at time zero IR: Two 1 g IR capsules administered at time zero DR2: Two 1 g DR capsules administered at time zero

As can be seen, by encapsulating the sodium oxybate in an enteric/delayed release coating, Liang decreased the AUC of the sodium oxybate significantly. One of the formulations, DR1-w/Acid, had a relative bioavailability of only 22% compared to the immediate release dosage form. DR2 had the greatest relative bioavailability, but still only 53% compared to the immediate release dosage form. One can easily calculate that any of the envisioned combinations of immediate release (IR) components and delayed release (DR) components as described in col. 5 lines 3 to 28 of U.S. Pat. No. 8,193,211 will not give a relative bioavailability greater than 78%.

All of these formulations are inconvenient for at least two reasons: (1) the low relative bioavailability necessitates an increase in the dose compared to current IR treatments which already require a large dose (4.5 to 9 g a day), and (2) when provided in the form of pills, a patient must swallow around 4 to 9 pills per dose, which is a serious inconvenience for the patient and potential drawback for patient compliance.

Various other techniques are known for formulating modified release dosage forms including, for example, the techniques described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,101,209 to Legrand et al. (“Legrand”). Legrand provides a system ensuring that the active ingredient is released with certainty from the modified release dosage form by means of a dual mechanism of “time-dependent” and “pH-dependent” release. Legrand did not describe any dosage forms for delivering sodium oxybate or other forms of gamma-hydroxybutyrate.

Another drawback of Xyrem® is the high level of the daily dose, generally 7.5 g or 9 g of sodium oxybate taken daily over long periods of time. This represents a very high sodium intake which is not recommended in persons with high blood pressure, risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke or coronary heart disease (See WHO. Guideline: Sodium intake for adults and children. Geneva, World Health Organization (WHO), 2012.).

Accordingly, one object of the present invention is to provide modified release formulations of gamma-hydroxybutyrate that are administered only once at bed-time with improved dissolution and pharmacokinetic profiles.

Another object of the present invention is to provide modified release formulations of gamma-hydroxybutyrate that optimize the bioavailability of the gamma-hydroxybutyrate, and roughly approximate the bioavailability of an equal dose of an immediate release liquid solution of sodium oxybate administered twice nightly.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide once-nightly modified release formulations of gamma-hydroxybutyrate that roughly approximate or exceed the bioavailability of an equal dose of an immediate release solution of sodium oxybate administered twice nightly, across the entire therapeutic range of sodium oxybate doses.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide modified release formulations of gamma-hydroxybutyrate which, 8 hours after administration, produce very little residual drug content in the bloodstream of most patients but still similar to the one observed after administration of an equal dose of an immediate release liquid solution of sodium oxybate administered twice nightly.

Yet another object of the present invention is to improve the therapeutic effectiveness and safety profile of gamma-hydroxybutyrate based on novel dissolution and pharmacokinetic profiles.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide modified release formulations of gamma-hydroxybutyrate that yield a similar pharmacokinetic profile compared to an immediate release liquid solution of sodium oxybate administered twice nightly while potentially giving a reduced dose.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide modified release formulations of gamma-hydroxybutyrate that allow once daily administration and reduced dose compared to the commercial treatment Xyrem®.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a convenient dosage form of gamma-hydroxybutyrate that can be easily swallowed.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide modified release formulations of gamma-hydroxybutyrate that are administered only once at bed-time with improved dissolution and pharmacokinetic profiles and reduced sodium content compared to an immediate release liquid solution of sodium oxybate administered twice nightly.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

As the prior art demonstrates, it is extremely difficult to find a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate which, when administered only once nightly, has a comparable bioavailability to an immediate release liquid solution of sodium oxybate administered twice nightly. Even if such a formulation could be found, it probably still would not be satisfactory because the dose of gamma-hydroxybutyrate differs among individuals, and the size of the dose affects the amount of drug absorbed through the GI tract. I.e., even if the prior art formulations achieved comparable bioavailability at one dose—which they do not—they would not be comparable at other doses.

The inventors have discovered a novel relationship between the in vitro release profile of gamma-hydroxybutyrate modified release formulations and in vivo absorption which permits, for the first time, a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate that approximates the bioavailability of a twice-nightly equipotent immediate release liquid solution of sodium oxybate, and that does so across a range of therapeutic doses. In particular, the inventors have discovered that a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate that rapidly releases half of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate in 0.1N hydrochloric acid dissolution medium, and rapidly releases the other half of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate in phosphate buffer pH 6.8 dissolution medium, approximates or exceeds the in vivo bioavailability of an equipotent immediate release liquid solution of sodium oxybate administered twice nightly. This can be seen by comparing the formulations of Examples 1 and 4, which satisfy the dissolution requirements of the present invention and achieve the necessary bioavailability for a commercial formulation, with the Comparative formulation of Example 7, which exhibited a dissolution profile similar to prior art dissolution profiles, and did not achieve the necessary bioavailability for a commercial formulation.

This phenomenon is observed especially with higher doses of gamma-hydroxybutyrate. For example, the inventors have discovered that a modified release composition of gamma-hydroxybutyrate according to the invention administered once approximately two hours after a standardized evening meal at the dose equivalent to 7.5 g of sodium oxybate results in a similar pharmacokinetic profile as an immediate release liquid solution of sodium oxybate given in two separate equal doses of 4.5 g of sodium oxybate each administered at t₀ and t_(4h).

The modified release formulations of gamma-hydroxybutyrate preferably have both immediate release and modified release portions. The release of gamma-hydroxybutyrate from the immediate release portion is practically uninhibited, and occurs almost immediately in 0.1N hydrochloric acid dissolution medium. In contrast, while the modified release portion also preferably releases its gamma-hydroxybutyrate almost immediately when fully triggered, the release is not triggered until a predetermined lag-time or the drug is subjected to a suitable dissolution medium such as a phosphate buffer pH 6.8 dissolution medium. Without wishing to be bound by any theory, it is believed that this rapid release in two dissolution media compresses the blood concentration vs. time curve in vivo, resulting in a relative bioavailability of gamma-hydroxybutyrate comparable to or greater than an equipotent dose of an immediate-release liquid solution of sodium oxybate administered twice nightly.

Formulations that achieve this improved bioavailability can be described using several different pharmacokinetic and in vitro dissolution parameters. In a first principal embodiment, the invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, preferably comprising immediate release and modified release portions, wherein a 7.5 g dose of the formulation has been shown to achieve a mean AUC_(inf) of greater than 340 hr×microgram/mL.

In a second principal embodiment, the invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, preferably comprising immediate release and modified release portions, wherein a 7.5 g dose of the formulation has been shown to achieve a mean AUC_(inf) of greater than 340 hr×microgram/mL, and a mean C_(8h) that is from 50% to 130% of the mean C_(8h) provided by an equal dose of an immediate release liquid solution of sodium oxybate administered at t₀ and t_(4h) in equally divided doses approximately two hours after a standardized evening meal.

In a third principal embodiment, the invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, preferably comprising immediate release and modified release portions, wherein the formulation releases (a) at least 80% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at 3 hours when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, and (b) from 10% to 65%, of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at one hour and three hours when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm.

In a fourth principal embodiment, the invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, comprising immediate release and modified release portions, wherein (a) the formulation releases at least 80% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at 3 hours, when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, (b) the formulation releases from 10% to 65%, of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at one hour and three hours when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, and (c) the modified release portion releases greater than 80% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at 3 hours in a dissolution test started in 750 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid for 2 hours then switched to 950 mL 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer adjusted to pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm.

In a fifth principal embodiment, the invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, comprising immediate release and modified release portions, wherein (a) the formulation releases at least 80% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at 3 hours, when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, (b) the formulation releases 10% to 65%, of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at one hour and at three hours when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, (c) the formulation releases greater than 60% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at 10 hours when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, and (d) the modified release portion releases greater than 80% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at 3 hours in a dissolution test started in 750 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid for 2 hours then switched to 950 mL 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer adjusted to pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm.

In a sixth principal embodiment, the invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, comprising immediate release and modified release portions, wherein (a) a 7.5 g dose of the formulation has been shown to achieve a mean AUC_(inf) of greater than 340 hr×microgram/mL, and a mean C_(8h) that is from 50% to 130%, of the mean C_(8h) provided by an equal dose of an immediate release liquid solution of sodium oxybate administered at t₀ and t_(4h) in equally divided doses approximately two hours after a standardized evening meal, and (b) the formulation releases (i) at least 80% or 90% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at 3 hours when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, and (ii) from 10% to 65%, of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at one hour and three hours when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, and (c) the modified release portion releases greater than 80% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at 3 hours in a dissolution test started in 750 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid for 2 hours then switched to 950 mL 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer adjusted to pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm.

In a seventh principal embodiment, the invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate comprising immediate release and modified release portions, wherein: (a) said immediate release portion releases greater than 80% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at one hour when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm; (b) said modified release portion releases less than 20% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at one hour when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm; and (c) said modified release portion releases greater than 80% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at three hours when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm.

In an eighth principal embodiment, the invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate comprising immediate release and modified release portions, wherein: (a) said immediate release portion releases greater than 80% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at one hour when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm; (b) said modified release portion releases less than 20% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at one hour when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm; (c) said modified release portion releases greater than 80% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at three hours when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm; and (d) said modified release portion releases greater than 80% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at 3 hours in a dissolution test started in 750 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid for 2 hours then switched to 950 mL 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer adjusted to pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm.

In a ninth principal embodiment, the invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, preferably comprising immediate release and modified release portions, wherein 4.5 g, 6 g, 7.5 g, and 9 g doses of the formulation have been shown to achieve a relative bioavailability (RBA) of greater than 80% when compared to an equal dose of an immediate release liquid solution of sodium oxybate administered at t₀ and t_(4h) in equally divided doses, when administered approximately two hours after a standardized evening meal.

In a tenth principal embodiment, the invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, preferably comprising immediate release and modified release portions, wherein 4.5 g and 9 g doses of the formulation have been shown to achieve a relative bioavailability (RBA) of greater than 80% when compared to an equal dose of an immediate release liquid solution of sodium oxybate administered at t₀ and t_(4h) in equally divided doses, when administered approximately two hours after a standardized evening meal.

In an eleventh principal embodiment, the invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, preferably comprising immediate release and modified release portions, that yields a plasma concentration versus time curve when administered once nightly at a strength of 4.5 g, 6.0 g or 7.5 g approximately two hours after a standardized evening meal substantially as depicted in FIG. 12 or FIG. 13 for the corresponding strength.

In a twelfth principal embodiment, the invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, preferably comprising immediate release and modified release portions, that yields a plasma concentration versus time curve when administered once nightly at a strength of 4.5 g approximately two hours after a standardized evening meal substantially as depicted in FIG. 22.

In a thirteenth principal embodiment, the invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, preferably comprising immediate release and modified release portions, that yields a dissolution profile substantially as depicted in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8.

In a fourteenth principal embodiment, the invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, preferably comprising immediate release and modified release portions, that yields a dissolution profile substantially as depicted in FIG. 20 and FIG. 21.

In a fifteenth principal embodiment, the invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate comprising immediate release and modified release portions, wherein said modified release portion yields a dissolution profile substantially as depicted in FIG. 3 or FIG. 16.

In a sixteenth principal embodiment, the invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, comprising immediate release and modified release portions that yields a dissolution profile between the minimum and maximum values depicted in FIG. 25 and FIG. 26.

In a seventeenth principal embodiment, the invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, comprising immediate release and modified release portions that yields a dissolution profile between the minimum and maximum values depicted in FIG. 27 and FIG. 28.

In an eighteenth principal embodiment, the invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate yielding a dissolution profile substantially as shown in any one of FIGS. 29 through 89.

A nineteenth principal embodiment of the present invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, preferably comprising immediate release and modified release portions, that yields a plasma concentration versus time curve when administered once nightly at a strength of 4.5 g, 7.5 g or 9.0 g approximately two hours after a standardized evening meal substantially as depicted in FIG. 90 for the corresponding strength.

A twentieth principal embodiment of the present invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, preferably comprising immediate release and modified release portions that yields a dissolution profile between the minimum and maximum values depicted in FIG. 26 and FIG. 28.

Still further embodiments relate to methods of using the formulations of the present invention to treat narcolepsy and associated disorders and symptoms, and to physical aspects of the formulations of the present invention. Additional principal embodiments and sub-embodiments thereto will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The embodiments and advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 depicts the qualitative and quantitative structure of the immediate release (IR) and modified release (MR) microparticles of gamma-hydroxybutyrate of Example 1.

FIG. 2 plots a time release dissolution profile of IR microparticles of gamma-hydroxybutyrate of Example 1 (♦) and 1bis (▪) in a 0.1N HCl dissolution medium.

FIG. 3 plots a time release dissolution profile of MR microparticles of gamma-hydroxybutyrate of Example 1 in two sequential dissolution media (0.1 N HCl/phosphate buffer pH 6.8).

FIG. 4 plots a time release dissolution profile of MR microparticles (▴ symbols) of Example 1 in two sequential dissolution media (0.1 N HCl/phosphate buffer pH 6.8), overlaid against dissolution profile described in FIG. 3 of U.S. Pat. No. 8,193,211 ( symbols).

FIG. 5 plots a time release dissolution profile of the finished formulation of Example 1 in deionized water.

FIG. 6 plots a time release dissolution profile of the finished composition of Example 1 in deionized water (▴ symbols), overlaid against dissolution profile described in FIG. 2 of USP 2012/0076865 ( symbols).

FIG. 7 plots time release dissolution profiles in 0.1N HCl of four separate batches of finished compositions produced in accordance with Example 1 or Example 1bis.

FIG. 8 plots time release dissolution profiles in phosphate buffer pH 6.8 of four separate batches of finished compositions produced in accordance with Example 1 or Example 1bis.

FIG. 9 plots time release dissolution profiles in 0.1N HCl of MR microparticles of gamma-hydroxybutyrate produced in accordance with Example 1 at 75 rpm (▪ symbols) and 100 rpm (▴ symbols).

FIG. 10 plots time release dissolution profiles in 0.1N HCl of finished composition produced in accordance with Example 1 performed with paddle rotation speed set at 75 rpm (▪ symbols) and 100 rpm (▴ symbols).

FIG. 11 plots the mean+SD (standard deviation) plasma gamma-hydroxybutyrate concentrations (microgram/mL) versus time for two different modified release formulations of gamma-hydroxybutyrate tested in vivo according to the methods of Example 3. Time profiles are given for a 4.5 g dose of the finished composition of Example 1bis administered once ( symbols) (N=26) and a 4.5 g dose of Xyrem® administered in two divided doses (- symbols) (N=15).

FIG. 12 plots the mean+SD (standard deviation) plasma gamma-hydroxybutyrate concentrations (microgram/mL) versus time after a Single Oral Administration of 4.5 g ( symbols) and 6 g (▴ symbols) of finished composition of Example 1bis in the same 7 subjects tested in vivo according to the methods of Example 3.

FIG. 13 plots the mean+SD (standard deviation) plasma gamma-hydroxybutyrate concentrations (microgram/mL) versus time of three separate doses of finished composition prepared according to Example 1bis tested in vivo according to the methods of Example 3. Mean time profiles are given for a single oral administration of 4.5 g (N=26) (), 6.0 g (N=19) (▴) or 7.5 g (▪) doses (N=1).

FIG. 14 plots the mean plasma gamma-hydroxybutyrate Concentrations (microgram/mL) of a Single dose of 7.5 g (▪) of finished composition prepared according to Example 1bis compared to 2×4.5 g Xyrem® post-fed (Source NDA 21-196 review).

FIG. 15 depicts the qualitative and quantitative structure of the immediate release (IR) and modified release (MR) microparticles of gamma-hydroxybutyrate of Example 4.

FIG. 16 plots a time release dissolution profile of MR microparticles of gamma-hydroxybutyrate of Example 4 in two sequential dissolution media (0.1 N HCl and phosphate buffer pH 6.8).

FIG. 17 plots a time release dissolution profile of MR microparticles (▴ symbols) of Example 4 in two sequential dissolution media (0.1 N HCl and phosphate buffer pH 6.8), overlaid against dissolution profile described in FIG. 3 of U.S. Pat. No. 8,193,211 ( symbols).

FIG. 18 plots a time release dissolution profile of the finished composition of Example 4 in deionized water.

FIG. 19 plots a time release dissolution profile of the finished composition of Example 4 in deionized water ( symbols), overlaid against dissolution profile described in FIG. 2 of USP 2012/0076865 (▴ symbols).

FIG. 20 plots time release dissolution profiles in 0.1N HCl of three separate batches of finished compositions produced in accordance with Example 4 or 4bis.

FIG. 21 plots a time release dissolution profile in phosphate buffer pH 6.8 of a finished composition produced in accordance with Example 4.

FIG. 22 plots mean plasma gamma-hydroxybutyrate concentration (microgram/mL) time profiles after a Single Dose of 4.5 g (▪) of finished composition of Example 4bis, N=15 compared to 2×2.25 g Xyrem® post fed, N=15.

FIG. 23 depicts the qualitative and quantitative structure of the immediate release (IR) and modified release (MR) microparticles of gamma-hydroxybutyrate of Example 7.

FIG. 24 plots a time release dissolution profile of MR microparticles of gamma-hydroxybutyrate of Example 7 (▴ symbols) in two sequential dissolution media (0.1 N HCl and phosphate buffer pH 6.8), overlaid against dissolution profile described in FIG. 3 of U.S. Pat. No. 8,193,211 ( symbols).

FIG. 25 plots the Min (▪) and Max (▴) values of a preferred dissolution profile in 0.1N HCl of finished composition according to the invention.

FIG. 26 plots the Min (▪) and Max (▴) values of a preferred dissolution profile in phosphate buffer pH 6.8 of finished composition according to the invention.

FIG. 27 plots the Min (▪) and Max (▴) values of another preferred dissolution profile in phosphate buffer pH 6.8 of finished composition according to the invention.

FIG. 28 plots the Min (▪) and Max (▴) values of another preferred dissolution profile in 0.1N HCl of finished composition according to the invention.

FIG. 29 depicts a dissolution profile determined in 0.1N HCl using a USP apparatus 2 for the formulation of Example 9.1 5 minutes and 15 minutes after reconstitution in water.

FIG. 30 depicts a dissolution profile determined in 0.1N HCl using a USP apparatus 2 for the formulation of Example 9.2 5 minutes and 15 minutes after reconstitution in water.

FIG. 31 depicts a dissolution profile determined in 0.1N HCl using a USP apparatus 2 for the formulation of Example 9.3 5 minutes and 15 minutes after reconstitution in water.

FIG. 32 depicts the dissolution profile determined in 0.1N HCl using a USP apparatus 2 of a 9 g dose of the formulation of Example 10 with and without rinsing.

FIG. 33 depicts the dissolution profile of the MR portion of the formulation of Example 11a in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl and pH 6.8 phosphate buffer (0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate solution—pH adjusted to 6.8 with 5N NaOH) using a USP apparatus 2.

FIG. 34 depicts the dissolution profile of the formulation of Example 11a in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl using a USP apparatus 2.

FIG. 35 depicts the dissolution profile of the formulation of Example 11a in pH6.8 phosphate buffer (0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate solution—pH adjusted to 6.8 with 5N NaOH) using a USP apparatus 2.

FIG. 36 depicts the dissolution profile of the MR portion of the formulation of Example 11b in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl using a USP apparatus 2.

FIG. 37 depicts the dissolution profile of the formulation of Example 11b in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl using a USP apparatus 2.

FIG. 38 depicts the dissolution profile of the formulation of Example 11b in pH6.8 phosphate buffer (0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate solution—pH adjusted to 6.8 with 5N NaOH) using a USP apparatus 2.

FIG. 39 depicts the dissolution profile of the formulation of Example 11c in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl using a USP apparatus 2.

FIG. 40 depicts the dissolution profile of the formulation of Example 11c in pH6.8 phosphate buffer (0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate solution—pH adjusted to 6.8 with 5N NaOH) using a USP apparatus 2.

FIG. 41 depicts the dissolution profile of the MR portion of the formulation of Example 12a in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl using a USP apparatus 2.

FIG. 42 depicts the dissolution profile of the formulation of Example 12a using a USP apparatus 2 in 0.1N HCl.

FIG. 43 depicts the dissolution profile of the formulation of Example 12b in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl using a USP apparatus 2.

FIG. 44 depicts the dissolution profile of the formulation of Example 12b in pH6.8 phosphate buffer (0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate solution—pH adjusted to 6.8 with 5N NaOH) using a USP apparatus 2.

FIG. 45 depicts the dissolution profile of the MR portion of the formulation of Example 13 in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl and pH 6.8 phosphate buffer (0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate solution—pH adjusted to 6.8 with 5N NaOH) using a USP apparatus 2.

FIG. 46 depicts the dissolution profile of the formulation of Example 13 in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl using a USP apparatus 2.

FIG. 47 depicts the dissolution profile of the formulation of Example 13 in pH6.8 phosphate buffer (0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate solution—pH adjusted to 6.8 with 5N NaOH) using a USP apparatus 2.

FIG. 48 depicts the dissolution profile of the MR portion of the formulation of Example 14 in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl and pH 6.8 phosphate buffer (0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate solution—pH adjusted to 6.8 with 5N NaOH) using a USP apparatus 2.

FIG. 49 depicts the dissolution profile of the formulation of Example 14 in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl using a USP apparatus 2.

FIG. 50 depicts the dissolution profile of the formulation of Example 14 in pH6.8 phosphate buffer (0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate solution—pH adjusted to 6.8 with 5N NaOH) using a USP apparatus 2.

FIG. 51 depicts the dissolution profile of the MR portion of the formulation of Example 15a (coating weight 35%) in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl using a USP apparatus 2.

FIG. 52 depicts the dissolution profile of the MR portion of the formulation of Example 15a (coating weight 50%) in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl using a USP apparatus 2.

FIG. 53 depicts the dissolution profile of the formulation of Example 15a in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl using a USP apparatus 2.

FIG. 54 depicts the dissolution profile of the MR portion of the formulation of Example 15b in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl and pH 6.8 phosphate buffer (0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate solution—pH adjusted to 6.8 with 5N NaOH) using a USP apparatus 2.

FIG. 55 depicts the dissolution profile of the formulation of Example 15b in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl using a USP apparatus 2.

FIG. 56 depicts the dissolution profile of the formulation of Example 15b in pH6.8 phosphate buffer (0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate solution—pH adjusted to 6.8 with 5N NaOH) using a USP apparatus 2.

FIG. 57 depicts the dissolution profile of the MR portion of the formulation of Example 15c in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl using a USP apparatus 2.

FIG. 58 depicts the dissolution profile of the formulation of Example 15c in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl using a USP apparatus 2.

FIG. 59 depicts the dissolution profile of the formulation of Example 15c in pH6.8 phosphate buffer (0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate solution—pH adjusted to 6.8 with 5N NaOH) using a USP apparatus 2.

FIG. 60 depicts the dissolution profile of the MR portion of the formulation of Example 15d in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl and pH 6.8 phosphate buffer (0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate solution—pH adjusted to 6.8 with 5N NaOH) using a USP apparatus 2.

FIG. 61 depicts the dissolution profile of the formulation of Example 15d in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl using a USP apparatus 2.

FIG. 62 depicts the dissolution profile of the formulation of Example 15d in pH6.8 phosphate buffer (0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate solution—pH adjusted to 6.8 with 5N NaOH) using a USP apparatus 2.

FIG. 63 depicts the dissolution profile of the MR portion of the formulation of Example 16a in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl and pH 6.8 phosphate buffer (0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate solution—pH adjusted to 6.8 with 5N NaOH) using a USP apparatus 2.

FIG. 64 depicts the dissolution profile of the formulation of Example 16a in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl using a USP apparatus 2.

FIG. 65 depicts the dissolution profile of the formulation of Example 16a in pH6.8 phosphate buffer (0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate solution—pH adjusted to 6.8 with 5N NaOH) using a USP apparatus 2.

FIG. 66 depicts the dissolution profile of the MR portion of the formulation of Example 16b in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl and pH 6.8 phosphate buffer (0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate solution—pH adjusted to 6.8 with 5N NaOH) using a USP apparatus 2.

FIG. 67 depicts the dissolution profile of the formulation of Example 16b in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl using a USP apparatus 2.

FIG. 68 depicts the dissolution profile of the formulation of Example 16b in pH6.8 phosphate buffer (0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate solution—pH adjusted to 6.8 with 5N NaOH) using a USP apparatus 2.

FIG. 69 depicts the dissolution profile of the MR portion of the formulation of Example 16c in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl and pH 6.8 phosphate buffer (0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate solution—pH adjusted to 6.8 with 5N NaOH) using a USP apparatus 2.

FIG. 70 depicts the dissolution profile of the formulation of Example 16c in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl using a USP apparatus 2.

FIG. 71 depicts the dissolution profile of the formulation of Example 16c in pH6.8 phosphate buffer (0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate solution—pH adjusted to 6.8 with 5N NaOH) using a USP apparatus 2.

FIG. 72 depicts the dissolution profile of the MR portion of the formulation of Example 16d in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl using a USP apparatus 2.

FIG. 73 depicts the dissolution profile of the MR portion of the formulation of Example 17a in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl using a USP apparatus 2.

FIG. 74 depicts the dissolution profile of the formulation of Example 17a in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl using a USP apparatus 2.

FIG. 75 depicts the dissolution profile of the formulation of Example 17a in pH6.8 phosphate buffer (0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate solution—pH adjusted to 6.8 with 5N NaOH) using a USP apparatus 2.

FIG. 76 depicts the dissolution profile of the MR portion of the formulation of Example 17b in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl and pH 6.8 phosphate buffer (0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate solution—pH adjusted to 6.8 with 5N NaOH) using a USP apparatus 2.

FIG. 77 depicts the dissolution profile of the formulation of Example 17b in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl using a USP apparatus 2.

FIG. 78 depicts the dissolution profile of the formulation of Example 17b in pH6.8 phosphate buffer (0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate solution—pH adjusted to 6.8 with 5N NaOH) using a USP apparatus 2.

FIG. 79 depicts the dissolution profile of the MR portion of the formulation of Example 17c in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl and pH 6.8 phosphate buffer (0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate solution—pH adjusted to 6.8 with 5N NaOH) using a USP apparatus 2.

FIG. 80 depicts the dissolution profile of the formulation of Example 17c in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl using a USP apparatus 2.

FIG. 81 depicts the dissolution profile of the formulation of Example 17c in pH6.8 phosphate buffer (0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate solution—pH adjusted to 6.8 with 5N NaOH) using a USP apparatus 2.

FIG. 82 depicts a preferred dissolution profile of sodium oxybate MR microparticles in 900 ml 0.1N HCl using a USP apparatus 2 at 75 rpm.

FIG. 83 depicts a preferred dissolution profile of sodium oxybate MR microparticles in 900 ml pH 6.8 phosphate buffer (0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate solution—pH adjusted to 6.8 with 5N NaOH) using a USP apparatus 2 at 75 rpm.

FIG. 84 depicts a preferred dissolution profile of a sodium oxybate finished formulation comprising IR and MR microparticles in 900 ml 0.1N HCl using a USP apparatus 2 at 75 rpm.

FIG. 85 depicts a preferred dissolution profile of a sodium oxybate finished formulation comprising IR and MR microparticles in 900 ml pH 6.8 phosphate buffer (0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate solution—pH adjusted to 6.8 with 5N NaOH) using a USP apparatus 2 at 75 rpm.

FIG. 86 is a dissolution profile in 0.1N HCl of two separate batches of the sodium oxybate MR microparticles present in the finished composition of Example 18.

FIG. 87 is a dissolution profile in phosphate buffer pH 6.8 of two separate batches of the sodium oxybate MR microparticles present in the finished composition of Example 18.

FIG. 88 is a dissolution profile in 0.1N HCl of two unit doses of 3 g (▴ symbols) and 4.5 g ( symbols) of the finished composition of Example 18.

FIG. 89 is a dissolution profile in phosphate buffer pH 6.8 of two unit doses of 3 g (▴ symbols) and 4.5 g ( symbols) of the finished composition of Example 18.

FIG. 90 plots mean plasma gamma-hydroxybutyrate concentrations (microgram/mL)+SD—time profiles after a single oral administration of 4.5 g ( symbols), 7.5 g (▪ symbols) and 9 g (▴ symbols) of the finished composition of Example 18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention and the Examples included therein.

Definitions and Use of Terms

Wherever an analysis or test is required to understand a given property or characteristic recited herein, it will be understood that the analysis or test is performed in accordance with applicable guidances, draft guidances, regulations and monographs of the United States Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) and United States Pharmacopoeia (“USP”) applicable to drug products in the United States in force as of Nov. 1, 2015 unless otherwise specified. Clinical endpoints can be judged with reference to standards adopted by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, including standards published at C Iber, S Ancoli-Israel, A Chesson, S F Quan. The AASM Manual for the Scoring of Sleep and Associated Events. Westchester, Ill.: American Academy of Sleep Medicine; 2007.

When a pharmacokinetic comparison is made between a formulation described or claimed herein and a reference product, it will be understood that the comparison is preferably performed in a suitable designed cross-over trial, although it will also be understood that a cross-over trial is not required unless specifically stated. It will also be understood that the comparison can be made either directly or indirectly. For example, even if a formulation has not been tested directly against a reference formulation, it can still satisfy a comparison to the reference formulation if it has been tested against a different formulation, and the comparison with the reference formulation can be deduced therefrom.

As used in this specification and in the claims which follow, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “an ingredient” includes mixtures of ingredients, reference to “an active pharmaceutical agent” includes more than one active pharmaceutical agent, and the like.

“Bioavailability” means the rate and extent to which the active ingredient or active moiety is absorbed from a drug product and becomes available at the site of action.

“Relative bioavailability” or “Rel BA” or “RBA” means the percentage of mean AUC_(inf) of the tested product relative to the mean AUC_(inf) of the reference product. Unless otherwise specified, relative bioavailability refers to the percentage of the mean AUC_(inf) observed for a full dose of the test product relative to the mean AUC_(inf) observed for two ½-doses of an immediate release liquid solution administered four hours apart.

“Bioequivalence” means the absence of a significant difference in the rate and extent to which the active ingredient or active moiety in pharmaceutical equivalents or pharmaceutical alternatives become available at the site of drug action when administered at the same molar dose under similar conditions in an appropriately designed study.

When ranges are given by specifying the lower end of a range separately from the upper end of the range, it will be understood that the range can be defined by selectively combining any one of the lower end variables with any one of the upper end variables that is mathematically and physically possible. Thus, for example, if a formulation may contain from 1 to 10 weight parts of a particular ingredient, or 2 to 8 parts of a particular ingredient, it will be understood that the formulation may also contain from 2 to 10 parts of the ingredient. In like manner, if a formulation may contain greater than 1 or 2 weight parts of an ingredient and up to 10 or 9 weight parts of the ingredient, it will be understood that the formulation may contain 1-10 weight parts of the ingredient, 2-9 weight parts of the ingredient, etc. unless otherwise specified, the boundaries of the range (lower and upper ends of the range) are included in the claimed range.

In like manner, when various sub-embodiments of a senior (i.e. principal) embodiment are described herein, it will be understood that the sub-embodiments for the senior embodiment can be combined to define another sub-embodiment. Thus, for example, when a principal embodiment includes sub-embodiments 1, 2 and 3, it will be understood that the principal embodiment can be further limited by any one of sub-embodiments 1, 2 and 3, or any combination of sub-embodiments 1, 2 and 3 that is mathematically and physically possible. In like manner, it will be understood that the principal embodiments described herein can be combined in any manner that is mathematically and physically possible, and that the invention extends to such combinations.

When used herein the term “about” or “substantially” or “approximately” will compensate for variability allowed for in the pharmaceutical industry and inherent in pharmaceutical products, such as differences in product strength due to manufacturing variation and time-induced product degradation. The term allows for any variation which in the practice of pharmaceuticals would allow the product being evaluated to be considered bioequivalent to the recited strength, as described in FDA's March 2003 Guidance for Industry on BIOAVAILABILITY AND BIOEQUIVALENCE STUDIES FOR ORALLY ADMINISTERED DRUG PRODUCTS—GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS.

When used herein the term “gamma-hydroxybutyrate” or GHB, unless otherwise specified, refers to the free base of gamma hydroxy-butyrate, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, and combinations thereof, their hydrates, solvates, complexes or tautomers forms. Gamma-hydroxybutyric acid salts can be selected from the sodium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid or sodium oxybate, the potassium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, the magnesium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, the calcium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, the lithium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric, the tetra ammonium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid or any other pharmaceutically acceptable salt forms of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid.

“Pharmaceutically acceptable” means that which is useful in preparing a pharmaceutical composition that is generally safe, non-toxic and neither biologically nor otherwise undesirable and includes that which is acceptable for veterinary use as well as human pharmaceutical use. The term “formulation” or “composition” refers to the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of a drug product or dosage form prepared in accordance with the current invention.

As used herein the doses and strengths of gamma-hydroxybutyrate are expressed in equivalent-gram (g) weights of sodium oxybate unless stated expressly to the contrary. Thus, when considering a dose of gamma-hydroxybutyrate other than the sodium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, one must convert the recited dose or strength from sodium oxybate to the gamma-hydroxybutyrate under evaluation. Thus, if an embodiment is said to provide a 4.5 g dose of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, because the form of gamma-hydroxybutyrate is not specified, it will be understood that the dose encompasses a 4.5 g dose of sodium oxybate, a 5.1 g dose of potassium gamma-hydroxybutyrate (assuming a 126.09 g/mol MW for sodium oxybate and a 142.20 g/mol MW for potassium gamma-hydroxybutyrate), and a 3.7 g dose of the free base (assuming a 126.09 g/mol MW for sodium oxybate and a 104.1 g/mol MW for the free base of gamma-hydroxybutyrate), or by the weight of any mixture of salts of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid that provides the same amount of GHB as 4.5 g of sodium oxybate.

As used herein “microparticle” means any discreet particle of solid material. The particle can be made of a single material or have a complex structure with core and shells and be made of several materials. The terms “microparticle”, “particle”, “microspheres” or “pellet” are interchangeable and have the same meaning. Unless otherwise specified, the microparticle has no particular particle size or diameter and is not limited to particles with volume mean diameter D(4,3) below 1 mm.

As used herein, the “volume mean diameter D(4,3)” is calculated according to the following formula:

D(4,3)=Σ(d ⁴ _(i) ·n _(i))/Σ(d ³ _(i) ·n _(i))

wherein the diameter d of a given particle is the diameter of a hard sphere having the same volume as the volume of that particle.

As used herein, the terms “finished composition”, “finished formulation” or “formulation” are interchangeable and designate the modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate preferably comprising modified release microparticles of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, immediate release microparticles of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, and any other excipients.

As used herein and in the claims that follow, an “immediate release (IR) portion” of a formulation includes physically discreet portions of a formulation, mechanistically discreet portions of a formulation, and pharmacokinetically discreet portions of a formulation that lend to or support a defined IR pharmacokinetic characteristic. Thus, for example, any formulation that releases active ingredient at the rate and extent required of the immediate release portion of the formulations of the present invention includes an “immediate release portion,” even if the immediate release portion is physically integrated in what might otherwise be considered an extended release formulation. Thus, the IR portion can be structurally discreet or structurally indiscreet from (i.e. integrated with) the MR portion. In a preferred embodiment, the IR portion and MR portion are provided as particles, and in an even more preferred subembodiment the IR portion and MR portion are provided as particles discreet from each other.

As used here in, “immediate release formulation” or “immediate release portion” refers to a composition that releases at least 80% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate in 1 hour when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in a 0.1N HCl dissolution medium at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm.

In like manner, a “modified-release (MR) portion” includes that portion of a formulation or dosage form that lends to or supports a particular MR pharmacokinetic characteristic, regardless of the physical formulation in which the MR portion is integrated. The modified release drug delivery systems are designed to deliver drugs at a specific time or over a period of time after administration, or at a specific location in the body. The USP defines a modified release system as one in which the time course or location of drug release or both, are chosen to accomplish objectives of therapeutic effectiveness or convenience not fulfilled by conventional IR dosage forms. More specifically, MR solid oral dosage forms include extended release (ER) and delayed-release (DR) products. A DR product is one that releases a drug all at once at a time other than promptly after administration. Typically, coatings (e.g., enteric coatings) are used to delay the release of the drug substance until the dosage form has passed through the acidic medium of the stomach. An ER product is formulated to make the drug available over an extended period after ingestion, thus allowing a reduction in dosing frequency compared to a drug presented as a conventional dosage form, e.g. a solution or an immediate release dosage form. For oral applications, the term “extended-release” is usually interchangeable with “sustained-release”, “prolonged-release” or “controlled-release”.

Traditionally, extended-release systems provided constant drug release to maintain a steady concentration of drug. For some drugs, however, zero-order delivery may not be optimal and more complex and sophisticated systems have been developed to provide multi-phase delivery. One can distinguish among four categories of oral MR delivery systems: (1) delayed-release using enteric coatings, (2) site-specific or timed release (e.g. for colonic delivery), (3) extended-release (e.g., zero-order, first-order, biphasic release, etc.), and (4), programmed release (e.g., pulsatile, delayed extended release, etc.) See Modified Oral Drug Delivery Systems at page 34 in Gibaldi's DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS IN PHARMACEUTICAL CARE, AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEALTH-SYSTEM PHARMACISTS, 2007 and Rational Design of Oral Modified-release Drug Delivery Systems at page 469 in DEVELOPING SOLID ORAL DOSAGE FORMS: PHARMACEUTICAL THEORY AND PRACTICE, Academic Press, Elsevier, 2009. As used herein, “modified release formulation” or “modified release portion” in one embodiment refers to a composition that releases its gamma-hydroxybutyrate according a multiphase delivery that is comprised in the fourth class of MR products, e.g. delayed extended release. As such it differs from the delayed release products that are classified in the first class of MR products.

As used herein the terms “coating”, “coating layer,” “coating film,” “film coating” and like terms are interchangeable and have the same meaning. The terms refer to the coating applied to a particle comprising the gamma-hydroxybutyrate that controls the modified release of the gamma-hydroxybutyrate.

In all pharmacokinetic testing described herein, unless otherwise stated, the dosage form, or the initial dosage form if the dosing regimen calls for more than one administration, is administered approximately two hours after consumption of a standardized dinner consisting of 25.5% fat, 19.6% protein, and 54.9% carbohydrates.

A “similar PK profile” or “comparable bioavailability” means that the mean AUC_(inf) of a test product is from 80% to 125% of the mean AUC_(inf) of a reference product in a suitably designed cross-over trial, and that the mean plasma concentration at 8 hours (C_(8h)) of the test product is from 50% to 130% of the mean plasma concentration at 8 hours (C_(8h)) of the reference product.

Type 1 Narcolepsy (NT1) refers to narcolepsy characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness (“EDS”) and cataplexy. Type 2 Narcolepsy (NT2) refers to narcolepsy characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness without cataplexy. A diagnosis of narcolepsy (with or without cataplexy) can be confirmed by one or a combination of (i) an overnight polysomnogram (PSG) and a Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) performed within the last 2 years, (ii) a full documentary evidence confirming diagnosis from the PSG and MSLT from a sleep laboratory must be made available, (iii) current symptoms of narcolepsy including: current complaint of EDS for the last 3 months (ESS greater than 10), (iv) mean MWT less than 8 minutes, (v) mean number of cataplexy events of 8 per week on baseline Sleep/Cataplexy Diary, and/or (vi) presence of cataplexy for the last 3 months and 28 events per week during screening period.

Unless otherwise specified herein, percentages, ratios and numeric values recited herein are based on weight; averages and means are arithmetic means; all pharmacokinetic measurements based on the measurement of bodily fluids are based on plasma concentrations.

It will be understood, when defining a composition by its pharmacokinetic or dissolution properties herein, that the formulation can in the alternative be defined as “means for” achieving the recited pharmacokinetic or dissolution properties. Thus, a formulation in which the modified release portion releases less than 20% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at one hour can instead be defined as a formulation comprising “means for” or “modified release means for” releasing less than 20% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at one hour. It will be further understood that the preferred structures for achieving the recited pharmacokinetic or dissolution properties are the structures described in the examples hereof that accomplish the recited pharmacokinetic or dissolution properties.

Discussion of Principal Embodiments

The invention can be described in terms of principal embodiments, which in turn can be recombined to make other principal embodiments, and limited by sub-embodiments to make other principal embodiments.

A first principal embodiment of the present invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, preferably comprising immediate release and modified release portions, wherein a 7.5 g dose of the formulation has been shown to achieve a mean AUC_(inf) of greater than 245, 300, 325, 340, 375, 400, 425, or 450 hr×microgram/mL, most preferably greater than 340 hr×microgram/mL.

A second principal embodiment of the present invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, preferably comprising immediate release and modified release portions, wherein a 7.5 g dose of the formulation has been shown to achieve a mean AUC_(inf) of greater than 245, 265, 285, 300, 315, 325, 340, 350, 375, 400, 425, or 450 hr×microgram/mL, most preferably greater than 340 hr×microgram/mL, and a mean C_(8h) that is from 50% to 130%, from 60% to 130%, from 70% to 130%, from 75% to 125%, from 80% to 125%, from 80 to 120%, from 90% to 110%, from 50% to 95%, from 60% to 90%, most preferably from 60% to 90% or 60% to 130% of the mean C_(8h) provided by an equal dose of an immediate release liquid solution of sodium oxybate (e.g. Xyrem®) administered at t₀ and t_(4h) in equally divided doses approximately two hours after a standardized evening meal.

A third principal embodiment of the present invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, preferably comprising immediate release and modified release portions, wherein the formulation releases (a) at least 80% or 90% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at 3 hours, 2 hours, 1 hour, 0.5 hours, or 0.25 hours, preferably 1 hour, when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, and (b) from 10 to 65%, from 15 to 60%, from 20 to 55%, from 25 to 55%, from 30 to 55%, from 35 to 55%, from 40 to 55%, from 40 to 60%, or from 45 to 55%, preferably from 40% to 60%, of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at one hour and three hours when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm.

A fourth principal embodiment of the present invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, comprising immediate release and modified release portions, wherein (a) the formulation releases at least 80% or 90% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at 3 hours, 2 hours, 1 hour, 0.5 hours, or 0.25 hours, preferably 1 hour, when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, (b) the formulation releases from 10 to 65%, from 15 to 60%, from 20 to 55%, from 25 to 55%, from 30 to 55%, from 35 to 55%, from 40 to 55%, from 40 to 60%, or from 45 to 55%, preferably from 40% to 60%, of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at one hour and at three hours when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, and (c) the modified release portion preferably releases greater than 80% or 90% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at 3 hours in a dissolution test started in 750 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid for 2 hours then switched to 950 mL 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer adjusted to pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm.

A fifth principal embodiment of the present invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, comprising immediate release and modified release portions, wherein (a) the formulation releases at least 80% or 90% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at 3 hours, 2 hours, 1 hour, 0.5 hours, or 0.25 hours, preferably 1 hour, when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, (b) the formulation releases from 10 to 65%, from 15 to 60%, from 20 to 55%, from 25 to 55%, from 30 to 55%, from 35 to 55%, from 40 to 55%, from 40 to 60%, or from 45 to 55%, preferably from 40% to 60%, of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at one hour and at three hours when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, (c) the formulation releases greater than 60%, 70%, or 80%, preferably greater than 80%, of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at 10 hours when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, and (d) the modified release portion releases greater than 80% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at 3 hours in a dissolution test started in 750 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid for 2 hours then switched to 950 mL 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer adjusted to pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm.

A sixth principal embodiment of the present invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, comprising immediate release and modified release portions, wherein (a) a 7.5 g dose of the formulation has been shown to achieve a mean AUC_(inf) of greater than 245, 300, 325, 340, 375, 400, 425, or 450 hr×microgram/mL, preferably 340 hr×microgram/mL, and a mean C_(8h) that is from 50% to 130%, from 60% to 130%, from 70% to 130%, from 75% to 125%, from 80% to 125%, from 80 to 120%, from 90% to 110%, from 50% to 95%, or from 60% to 90%, preferably from 60% to 90% or from 60% to 130%, of the mean C_(8h) provided by an equal dose of an immediate release liquid solution of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (e.g. Xyrem®) administered at t₀ and t_(4h) in equally divided doses approximately two hours after a standardized evening meal, and (b) the formulation releases (i) at least 80% or 90% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at 3 hours, 2 hours, 1 hour, 0.5 hours, or 0.25 hours, preferably 1 hour, when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, and (ii) from 10 to 65%, from 15 to 60%, from 20 to 55%, from 25 to 55%, from 30 to 55%, from 35 to 55%, from 40 to 55%, from 40 to 60%, or from 45 to 55%, preferably from 40% to 60%, of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at one hour and three hours when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, and (c) the modified release portion releases greater than 80% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at 3 hours in a dissolution test started in 750 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid for 2 hours then switched to 950 mL 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer adjusted to pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm.

A seventh principal embodiment of the present invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate comprising immediate release and modified release portions, wherein: (a) said immediate release portion releases greater than 80% or 90% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at one hour when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm; (b) said modified release portion releases less than 20% or 10% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at one hour when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm; and (c) said modified release portion releases greater than 80% or 90% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at three hours, two hours or one hour, when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm.

An eighth principal embodiment of the present invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate comprising immediate release and modified release portions, wherein: (a) said immediate release portion releases greater than 80% or 90% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at one hour, two hours, or three hours when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm; (b) said modified release portion releases less than 20% or 10% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at one hour when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm; (c) said modified release portion releases greater than 80% or 90% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at three hours, two hours, or one hour, when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm; and (d) said modified release portion releases greater than 80% or 90% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at 3 hours in a dissolution test started in 750 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid for 2 hours then switched to 950 mL 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer adjusted to pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm.

A ninth principal embodiment of the present invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, preferably comprising immediate release and modified release portions, wherein a 4.5 g, 6 g, 7.5 g, and 9 g dose of the formulation has been shown to achieve a relative bioavailability (RBA) of greater than 80%, 85% or 90% when compared to an equal dose of an immediate release liquid solution of sodium oxybate administered at t₀ and t_(4h) in equally divided doses, when administered approximately two hours after a standardized evening meal. The relative bioavailability is even higher with larger doses, and with a 6.0 g or 7.5 g or 9.0 g dose is preferably greater than 90, 95 or 100% when compared to an equal dose of an immediate release liquid solution of sodium oxybate administered at t₀ and t_(4h) in equally divided doses, when administered approximately two hours after a standardized evening meal.

A tenth principal embodiment of the present invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, wherein a 4.5 g and a 9 g dose of the formulation has been shown to achieve a relative bioavailability (RBA) of greater than 80% when compared to an equal dose of an immediate release liquid solution of sodium oxybate administered at t₀ and t_(4h) in equally divided doses, when administered approximately two hours after a standardized evening meal.

An eleventh principal embodiment of the present invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, preferably comprising immediate release and modified release portions, that yields a plasma concentration versus time curve when administered once nightly at a strength of 4.5 g, 6.0 g, or 7.5 g approximately two hours after a standardized evening meal substantially as depicted in FIG. 12 or FIG. 13 for the corresponding strength.

A twelfth principal embodiment of the present invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, preferably comprising immediate release and modified release portions, that yields a plasma concentration versus time curve when administered once nightly at a strength of 4.5 g approximately two hours after a standardized evening meal substantially as depicted in FIG. 22.

A thirteenth principal embodiment of the present invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, preferably comprising immediate release and modified release portions, that yields a dissolution profile substantially as depicted in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8.

A fourteenth principal embodiment of the present invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, preferably comprising immediate release and modified release portions, that yields a dissolution profile substantially as depicted in FIG. 20 and FIG. 21.

A fifteenth principal embodiment of the present invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, preferably comprising immediate release and modified release portions that yields a dissolution profile substantially as depicted in FIG. 3 or 16.

In a sixteenth principal embodiment, the invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, comprising immediate release and modified release portions that yields a dissolution profile between the minimum and maximum values depicted in FIG. 25 and FIG. 26.

In a seventeenth principal embodiment, the invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, comprising immediate release and modified release portions that yields a dissolution profile between the minimum and maximum values depicted in FIG. 27 and FIG. 28.

In an eighteenth principal embodiment the invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate yielding a dissolution profile substantially as shown in any one of FIGS. 29 through 89. It will be understood that this seventeenth principal embodiment can be limited only to one of these dissolution profiles.

A nineteenth principal embodiment of the present invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, preferably comprising immediate release and modified release portions, that yields a plasma concentration versus time curve when administered once nightly at a strength of 4.5 g, 7.5 g or 9.0 g approximately two hours after a standardized evening meal substantially as depicted in FIG. 90 for the corresponding strength.

In any of these principal embodiments, the formulation is preferably effective to treat narcolepsy Type 1 or Type 2. The formulation is also preferably effective to induce sleep for six to eight, most preferably eight consecutive hours.

In any of these principal embodiments, the formulation preferably comprises immediate release and modified release portions, wherein the modified release portion comprises gamma hydroxybutyrate particles coated by a polymer carrying free carboxylic groups and a hydrophobic compound having a melting point equal or greater than 40° C., and the ratio of gamma-hydroxybutyrate in the immediate release portion and the modified release portion is from 10/90 to 65/35. The polymers comprising free carboxylic groups preferably have a pH dissolution trigger of from 5.5 to 6.97 and are preferably methacrylic acid copolymers having a pH dissolution trigger of from 5.5 to 6.97.

Principal Structural Embodiments

In a first principal structural embodiment, the invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate comprising immediate release and modified release portions, wherein: (a) the modified release portion comprises coated particles of gamma-hydroxybutyrate; (b) the coating comprises a polymer carrying free carboxylic groups and a hydrophobic compound having a melting point equal or greater than 40° C.; and (c) the ratio of gamma-hydroxybutyrate in the immediate release portion and the modified release portion is from 10/90 to 65/35.

In a second principal structural embodiment the invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate comprising immediate release and modified release portions, a suspending or viscosifying agent, and an acidifying agent, wherein: (a) the modified release portion comprises coated particles of gamma-hydroxybutyrate; (b) the coating comprises a polymer carrying free carboxylic groups and a hydrophobic compound having a melting point equal or greater than 40° C.; and (c) the ratio of gamma-hydroxybutyrate in the immediate release portion and the modified release portion is from 10/90 to 65/35.

In a third principal structural embodiment the invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate comprising immediate release and modified release portions, wherein: (a) the modified release portion comprises coated particles of gamma-hydroxybutyrate; (b) the coating comprises a polymer carrying free carboxylic groups and a hydrophobic compound having a melting point equal or greater than 40° C.; (c) the weight ratio of the hydrophobic compound to the polymer carrying free carboxylic groups is from 0.4 to 4; (d) the ratio of gamma-hydroxybutyrate in the immediate release portion and the modified release portion is from 10/90 to 65/35; and (e) the coating is from 10 to 50% of the weight of the particles.

In a fourth principal structural embodiment the invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate comprising immediate release and modified release portions, wherein: (a) the modified release portion comprises coated particles of gamma-hydroxybutyrate; (b) the coating comprises a polymer carrying free carboxylic groups having a pH trigger of from 5.5 to 6.97 and a hydrophobic compound having a melting point equal or greater than 40° C.; (c) the weight ratio of the hydrophobic compound to the polymer carrying free carboxylic groups is from 0.4 to 4; (d) the ratio of gamma-hydroxybutyrate in the immediate release portion and the modified release portion is from 10/90 to 65/35; and (e) the coating is from 10 to 50% of the weight of the particles.

In a fifth principal structural embodiment the invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate comprising immediate release and modified release portions, wherein: (a) the modified release portion comprises coated particles of gamma-hydroxybutyrate; (b) the coating comprises a methacrylic acid copolymer carrying free carboxylic groups having a pH trigger of from 5.5 to 6.97 and a hydrophobic compound having a melting point equal or greater than 40° C.; (c) the weight ratio of the hydrophobic compound to the polymer carrying free carboxylic groups is from 0.4 to 4; (d) the ratio of gamma-hydroxybutyrate in the immediate release portion and the modified release portion is from 10/90 to 65/35; and (e) the coating is from 10 to 50% of the weight of the particles.

Discussion of Pharmacokinetic and Dissolution Sub-Embodiments

As mentioned in the definitions section of this document, each of the sub-embodiments can be used to further characterize and limit each of the foregoing principal embodiments. In addition, more than one of the following sub-embodiments can be combined and used to further characterize and limit each of the foregoing principal embodiments, in any manner that is mathematically and physically possible.

In various sub-embodiments of the foregoing principal embodiments a 7.5 g dose of the modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate can be characterized as having been shown to achieve a mean AUC_(inf) of greater than 245, 265, 285, 300, 315, 325, 340, 350, 375, 400, 425, or 450 hr×microgram/mL when administered once approximately two hours after a standardized evening meal. An upper limit on mean AUC_(inf) for such 7.5 g dose can be set at 500 or 550 hr×microgram/mL.

In additional sub-embodiments of the foregoing principal embodiments a 7.5 g dose of the modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate can be characterized as having been shown to achieve a mean C_(max) of greater than 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, or 90 microgram/mL when administered once approximately two hours after a standardized evening meal. An upper limit on mean C_(max) for such 7.5 g dose can be set at 125 or 100 microgram/mL.

In additional sub-embodiments of the forgoing principal embodiments a 7.5 g dose of the modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate can be characterized as having been shown to achieve a mean C_(8h) that is from 50% to 130%, from 60% to 130%, from 70 to 130%, from 75% to 125%, from 80% to 125%, from 80 to 120%, or from 90% to 110% of the mean C_(8h) provided by an equal dose of immediate release liquid solution of gamma-hydroxybutyrate administered at t₀ and t_(4h) in two equally divided doses, when administered approximately two hours after a standardized evening meal.

In one sub-embodiment, a 7.5 g dose of the formulation has been shown to achieve a mean AUC_(inf) of greater than 340 hr·microgram/mL, and a mean C_(8h) that is from 50% to 130% of the mean C_(8h) provided by an equal dose of immediate release liquid solution of sodium oxybate administered at t₀ and t_(4h) in equally divided doses approximately two hours after a standardized evening meal.

Further sub-embodiments can be characterized based on the dissolution properties of the entire (or finished) modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate in 0.1N hydrochloric acid dissolution medium. Thus, in additional sub-embodiments the entire modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate releases greater than 30%, 35%, 40%, or 45%, and less than 70%, 65%, 60%, or 55%, of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at one hour when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm.

Further sub-embodiments can be defined based on the dissolution properties of the modified release portion of the formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate in a phosphate buffer pH 6.8 dissolution medium. Thus, in additional sub-embodiments the modified release portion releases greater than 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98% or even 99% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at 3, 2, 1, 0.5 or 0.25 hours when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm.

Still further embodiments can be defined based on the dissolution properties of the modified release portion of the modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate in a 0.1N HCl dissolution medium. Thus, in additional sub-embodiments the modified release portion releases less than 20%, 15%, 10%, 5%, or even 2% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at one hour when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm.

In additional embodiments, the modified release portion releases less than 20%, 15%, 10%, 5%, or even 2% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at one hour and at three hours and more than 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at ten hours when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm.

Further embodiments can be defined based on the dissolution properties of the immediate release portion of the modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate in a 0.1N HCl dissolution medium. Thus, in additional sub-embodiments the immediate release portion releases greater than 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 98% or even 99% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at one hour when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm.

In another sub-embodiment, the formulation releases (a) at least 80% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at three hours when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, and (b) from 10% to 65%, of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at one hour and three hours when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm.

In another subembodiment, the formulation comprises immediate release and modified release portions, and (a) the formulation releases at least 80% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at 3 hours when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, (b) the formulation releases from 10% to 65%, of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at one hour when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, and (c) the modified release portion releases greater than 80% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at 3 hours in a dissolution test started in 750 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid for 2 hours then switched to 950 mL 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer adjusted to pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm.

In another sub-embodiment, the formulation comprises immediate release and modified release portions, and (a) the formulation releases at least 80% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at 3 hours when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, (b) the formulation releases 10% to 65% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at one hour and at three hours when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, (c) the formulation releases greater than 60% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at 10 hours when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, and (d) the modified release portion releases greater than 80% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at 3 hours in a dissolution test started in 750 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid for 2 hours then switched to 950 mL 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer adjusted to pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm.

Still further sub-embodiments can be defined based on a pharmacokinetic comparison of the modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate to an immediate release solution of gamma-hydroxybutyrate. Therefore, in additional sub-embodiments the modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, preferably in a 4.5 g, 6.0 g, 7.5 g, and 9.0 g dose, has been shown to achieve a relative bioavailability (RBA) of greater than 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% when compared to an equal dose of an immediate release liquid solution of sodium oxybate administered at t₀ and t_(4h) in equally divided doses, when administered approximately two hours after a standardized evening meal.

In additional sub-embodiments of the forgoing principal embodiments the invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, preferably comprising immediate release and modified release portions, wherein a 4.5 g and 9 g dose of the formulation has been shown to achieve a relative bioavailability (RBA) of greater than 80%, 85% or 90% when compared to an equal dose of an immediate release liquid solution of sodium oxybate administered at t₀ and t_(4h) in equally divided doses, when administered approximately two hours after a standardized evening meal

In additional sub-embodiments, a 6.0 g or 7.5 g or 9.0 g dose of the modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate has been shown to achieve a relative bioavailability (RBA) of greater than 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or 100% when compared to an equal dose of an immediate release liquid solution of sodium oxybate administered at t₀ and t_(4h) in equally divided doses, when administered approximately two hours after a standardized evening meal.

The modified release formulations of gamma-hydroxybutyrate of the present invention can also be defined by comparing the area under the concentration/time curve for eight hours to the area under the concentration/time curve calculated to infinity. Thus, in still further sub-embodiments a 4.5 g, 6.0 g, 7.5 g or 9.0 g dose of the modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate of the present invention has been shown to achieve a ratio of AUC_(8h) to AUC_(inf) of greater than 0.80, 0.85, 0.90, 0.95 or 0.98 when administered once approximately two hours after a standardized evening meal.

In still further sub-embodiments, the modified release formulations of gamma-hydroxybutyrate are defined based on the concentration of gamma-hydroxybutyrate in the blood stream 8 hours after administration. Therefore, in other sub-embodiments the formulation can be characterized by a 4.5 g dose of the modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate that has been shown to achieve a mean C_(8h) Of from 4.7 to 9.0, from 5.4 to 8.3, from 6.1 to 7.6, from 3.5 to 7.0, or from 4.0 to 5.5 microgram/mL, a 6.0 g dose of the modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate has been shown to achieve a mean C_(8h) of from 6.3 to 16.7, from 7.3 to 15.4, from 8.2 to 14.1, from 8.9 to 16.7, from 10.2 to 15.4, or from 11.5 to 14.1 microgram/mL; or a 7.5 g dose of the modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate has been shown to achieve a mean C_(8h) of from 13.0 to 40.3, from 16.0 to 26.0, 15.0 to 25.0, from 17.5 to 22.0, from 21.6 to 40.3, from 24.7 to 37.2, or from 27.8 to 34.1 microgram/mL, when administered once approximately two hours after a standardized evening meal.

The modified release formulations of gamma-hydroxybutyrate of the present invention can also be defined by the concentration/time and dissolution curves that they produce when tested according to the examples of the present invention. Therefore, in other sub-embodiments, a 4.5 g, 6.0 g, or 7.5 g dose of the modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate of the present invention has been shown to achieve a time/concentration curve substantially as shown in FIGS. 13 (a), (b) and (c) respectively herein. In another principal embodiment or sub-embodiment, the formulation has been shown to achieve a dissolution curve substantially as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 or FIGS. 20 and 21 herein.

The modified release formulations of gamma-hydroxybutyrate of the present invention can also be defined based on the time required to reach maximum blood concentration of gamma-hydroxybutyrate. Thus, in additional sub-embodiments, the modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate has been shown to achieve a median T_(max) of 1.25 to 3.25 hours, preferably of about 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, or 3.25 hours when administered once approximately two hours after a standardized evening meal. A lower limit on the median T_(max) in any of the foregoing ranges can alternatively be set at 0.5 or 1.0 hours.

Additional embodiments can be defined by comparing a dose of the modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, administered once nightly, to the same dose of an immediate release liquid solution of sodium oxybate divided in half and administered twice nightly, 4 hours apart. Thus, in another sub-embodiment a 4.5 g, 6.0 g, 7.5 g or 9.0 g dose of the modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate has been shown to achieve a median T_(max) within one hundred fifty, one hundred twenty, ninety, sixty or thirty minutes of the median T_(max) of half the dose of an immediate release liquid solution of sodium oxybate, when administered approximately two hours after a standardized evening meal.

In still another sub-embodiment a 4.5 g, 6.0 g, 7.5 g or 9.0 g dose of the modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate has been shown to achieve a mean C_(6h) or mean C_(7h) greater than, and a mean C_(10h) less than, the mean C_(4h) of half the dose of an immediate release liquid solution of sodium oxybate, when administered approximately two hours after a standardized evening meal.

Additional embodiments can be defined by comparing the pharmacokinetic profile of a dose of the modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate administered once nightly to the same dose of an immediate release liquid solution of sodium oxybate divided in half and administered twice nightly, 4 hours apart. Thus, in another sub-embodiment a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate according to the invention has been shown to achieve a ratio of its mean C_(3h) to the mean C_(max) of the first half dose of the immediate release liquid solution of sodium oxybate from 0.6 to 1.2, preferably from 0.7 to 1.1 and most preferably from 0.8 to 1. In another sub-embodiment, a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate according to the invention has been shown to achieve a ratio of its mean C_(4h) to the mean C_(max) of the first half dose of the immediate release liquid solution of sodium oxybate from 0.5 to 1.1, preferably from 0.6 to 1 and most preferably from 0.7 to 0.9. In another sub-embodiment, a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate according to the invention has been shown to achieve a ratio of its mean C_(4.5h) to the mean C_(max) of the first half dose of the immediate release liquid solution of gamma-hydroxybutyrate from 0.5 to 1, preferably from 0.5 to 0.9 and most preferably from 0.6 to 0.8.

Additional sub-embodiments can be defined by the range of mean blood concentrations of gamma-hydroxybutyrate achieved 3, 4, 4.5 or 5 hours after administration once nightly by a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate according to the invention at the dose of 7.5 g. Thus, in another sub-embodiment, a 7.5 g dose of the modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate has been shown to achieve a mean C_(3h) of 43 to 81 microgram/mL, preferably 49 to 75 microgram/mL and more preferably 55 to 69 microgram/mL. In another sub-embodiment, a 7.5 g dose of the modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate has been shown to achieve a mean C_(4h) of 40 to 75 microgram/mL, preferably 45 to 69 microgram/mL and more preferably 51 to 64 microgram/mL. In another sub-embodiment, a 7.5 g dose of the modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate has been shown to achieve a mean C_(4.5h) of 35 to 67 microgram/mL, preferably 40 to 62 microgram/mL and more preferably 45 to 56 microgram/mL. In another sub-embodiment, a 7.5 g dose of the modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate has been shown to achieve a mean C_(5h) of 31 to 59 microgram/mL, preferably 36 to 55 microgram/mL and more preferably 40 to 50 microgram/mL.

In another subembodiment, a 7.5 g dose of the formulation has been shown to achieve a mean AUC_(inf) of greater than 300 hr*microgram/mL and a mean C_(max) of greater than 70 microgram/mL when administered once approximately two hours after a standardized evening meal.

In still another subembodiment, a 7.5 g dose of the formulation has been shown to achieve a mean AUC_(inf) of greater than 350 hr*microgram/mL and a mean C_(max) of greater than 80 microgram/mL when administered once approximately two hours after a standardized evening meal.

In another subembodiment, a 4.5, 6.0, 7.5 and 9.0 g dose of the formulation has been shown to achieve a mean AUC_(inf) of greater than 80% of the mean AUC_(inf) provided by an equal dose of immediate release liquid solution of sodium oxybate administered at t₀ and t_(4h) in equally divided doses approximately two hours after a standardized evening meal, and a mean C_(8h) less than 95%, 90 or 85% of the mean C_(8h) provided by an equal dose of immediate release liquid solution of sodium oxybate administered at t₀ and t_(4h) in equally divided doses approximately two hours after a standardized evening meal.

Additional embodiments can be defined by comparing the pharmacokinetic profile of a dose of the modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate administered once nightly to another dose of an immediate release liquid solution of sodium oxybate divided in half and administered twice nightly, 4 hours apart. Thus, in another sub-embodiment a 7.5 g dose of the modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate has been shown to achieve a similar pharmacokinetic profile to the pharmacokinetic profile provided by a 2×4.5 g dose of sodium oxybate as an immediate release liquid solution administered for the first 4.5 g two hours after a standardized evening meal and for the second 4.5 g dose, 4 hours after the first dose. Thus, in another sub-embodiment a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate according to the invention administered at the dose of 7.5 g has been shown to achieve a ratio of its mean C_(3h) to the mean C_(max) of the first 4.5 g dose of the immediate release liquid solution of sodium oxybate from 0.5 to 1.1, preferably from 0.6 to 1 and most preferably from 0.7 to 0.9. In another sub-embodiment, a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate according to the invention has been shown to achieve a ratio of its mean C_(4h) to the mean C_(max) of the first 4.5 g dose of the immediate release liquid solution of sodium oxybate from 0.5 to 1, preferably from 0.6 to 0.9 and most preferably from 0.7 to 0.8. In another sub-embodiment, a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate according to the invention has been shown to achieve a ratio of its mean C_(4.5h) to the mean C_(max) of the 4.5 g dose of the immediate release liquid solution of sodium oxybate from 0.4 to 0.9, preferably from 0.5 to 0.8 and most preferably from 0.6 to 0.7.

In another subembodiment, the modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate comprises immediate release and modified release portions, wherein: (a) said immediate release portion releases greater than 80% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at one hour when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm; (b) said modified release portion releases less than 20% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at one hour when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm; and (c) said modified release portion releases greater than 80% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at one hour when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm.

In a preferred embodiment, the modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate according to the invention achieves an in vitro dissolution profile:

(a) measured in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, characterized by the percentage of gamma-hydroxybutyrate dissolved being:

-   -   (i) from 40% to 65% at 1 hour,     -   (ii) from 40% to 65% at 3 hours,     -   (iii) from 47% to 85% at 8 hours,     -   (iv) greater or equal to 60% at 10 hours,     -   (v) greater or equal to 80% at 16 hours, and

(b) measured in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, characterized by the percentage of gamma-hydroxybutyrate dissolved being:

-   -   (i) from 43% to 94% at 0.25 hour,     -   (ii) greater or equal to 65% at 0.35 hour, and     -   (iii) greater or equal to 88% at 1 hour.

In a preferred embodiment, the modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate according to the invention achieves an in vitro dissolution profile:

(a) measured in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, characterized by the percentage of gamma-hydroxybutyrate dissolved being:

-   -   (i) from 40% to 65% at 1 hour,     -   (ii) from 40% to 65% at 3 hours,     -   (iii) greater or equal to 47% at 8 hours,     -   (iv) greater or equal to 60% at 10 hours,     -   (v) greater or equal to 80% at 16 hours, and

(b) measured in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, characterized by the percentage of gamma-hydroxybutyrate dissolved being:

-   -   (i) from 43% to 94% at 0.25 hour,     -   (ii) greater or equal to 65% at 0.35 hour, and     -   (iii) greater or equal to 88% at 1 hour.

In another preferred embodiment, the modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate according to the invention achieves an in vitro dissolution profile:

(a) measured in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, characterized by the percentage of gamma-hydroxybutyrate dissolved being:

-   -   (i) from 40% to 65% at 1 hour,     -   (ii) from 40% to 65% at 3 hours,     -   (iii) from 47% to 85% at 8 hours,     -   (iv) greater or equal to 60% at 10 hours,     -   (v) greater or equal to 80% at 16 hours, and

(b) measured in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, characterized by the percentage of gamma-hydroxybutyrate dissolved being:

-   -   (i) from 45% to 67% at 1 hour, and     -   (ii) greater or equal to 65% at 3 hours.

In another preferred embodiment, the modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate according to the invention achieves an in vitro dissolution profile:

(a) measured in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, characterized by the percentage of gamma-hydroxybutyrate dissolved being:

-   -   (i) from 40% to 65% at 1 hour,     -   (ii) from 40% to 65% at 3 hours,     -   (iii) greater or equal to 47% at 8 hours,     -   (iv) greater or equal to 60% at 10 hours,     -   (v) greater or equal to 80% at 16 hours, and

(b) measured in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, characterized by the percentage of gamma-hydroxybutyrate dissolved being:

-   -   (i) from 45% to 67% at 1 hour, and     -   (ii) greater or equal to 65% at 3 hours.

In still another subembodiment, the formulation achieves an in vitro dissolution profile: (a) measured in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, characterized by the percentage of gamma-hydroxybutyrate dissolved being: (i) from 40% to 65% at 1 hour, (ii) from 40% to 65% at 3 hours, (iii) greater than 45% at 8 hours, and (b) measured in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, characterized by the percentage of gamma-hydroxybutyrate dissolved being: (i) greater than 40% at 0.5 hour, and (ii) greater than 85% at 1 hour.

Alternatively, the formulation can be described as achieving an in vitro dissolution profile measured in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, characterized by the percentage of gamma-hydroxybutyrate dissolved being: (i) from 40% to 65% at 1 hour, (ii) from 40% to 65% at 3 hours, and (iii) greater than 45% at 8 hours.

In another alternative, the formulation can be described as achieving an in vitro dissolution profile measured in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, characterized by the percentage of gamma-hydroxybutyrate dissolved being: (i) greater than 40% at 0.5 hour, and (ii) greater than 85% at 1 hour.

Structural Sub-Embodiments

The modified release formulations of gamma-hydroxybutyrate of the present invention can be provided in any dosage form that is suitable for oral administration, including tablets, capsules, liquids, orally dissolving tablets, and the like, but they are preferably provided as dry particulate formulations (i.e. granules, powders, coated particles, microparticles, pellets, microspheres, etc.), in a sachet or other suitable discreet packaging units. A preferred particulate formulation will be mixed with tap water shortly before administration, preferably 50 mL.

In one subembodiment, the formulation comprises immediate release and modified release portions, wherein: (a) the modified release portion comprises coated microparticles of gamma-hydroxybutyrate; and (b) the ratio of gamma-hydroxybutyrate in the immediate release portion and the modified release portion is from 10/90 to 65/35.

In one subembodiment, the formulation comprises immediate release and modified release portions, wherein: (a) the modified release portion comprises coated microparticles of gamma-hydroxybutyrate; and (b) the ratio of gamma-hydroxybutyrate in the immediate release portion and the modified release portion is from 40/60 to 60/40.

In another subembodiment, the formulation comprises immediate release and modified release portions, wherein: (a) the modified release portion comprises coated microparticles of gamma-hydroxybutyrate; (b) the coating of said modified release particles of gamma-hydroxybutyrate comprises a polymer carrying free carboxylic groups and a hydrophobic compound having a melting point equal or greater than 40° C.; and (c) the ratio of gamma-hydroxybutyrate in the immediate release portion and the modified release portion is from 10/90 to 65/35 or 40/60 to 60/40.

In another subembodiment, the formulation comprises immediate release and modified release portions, wherein: (a) the modified release portion comprises coated microparticles of gamma-hydroxybutyrate; (b) the coating of said modified release particles of gamma-hydroxybutyrate comprises a polymer carrying free carboxylic groups and a hydrophobic compound having a melting point equal or greater than 40° C.; (c) the weight ratio of the hydrophobic compound to the polymer carrying free carboxylic groups is from 0.4 to 4; (d) the ratio of gamma-hydroxybutyrate in the immediate release portion and the modified release portion is from 10/90 to 65/3 5 or 40/60 to 60/40; and (e) the film coating is from 10 to 50% of the weight of the microparticles.

In another subembodiment the formulation comprises immediate release and modified release portions, wherein: (a) the modified release portion comprises coated particles of gamma-hydroxybutyrate; (b) the coating of said modified release particles of gamma-hydroxybutyrate comprises a polymer carrying free carboxylic groups having a pH trigger of from 5.5 to 6.97 and a hydrophobic compound having a melting point equal or greater than 40° C.; (c) the weight ratio of the hydrophobic compound to the polymer carrying free carboxylic groups is from 0.4 to 4; (d) the ratio of gamma-hydroxybutyrate in the immediate release portion and the modified release portion is from 10/90 to 65/35 or 40/60 to 60/40; and (e) the coating is from 10 to 50% of the weight of the particles.

In a particularly preferred sub-embodiment of the immediately preceding sub-embodiments, the polymer carrying free carboxylic groups comprises from 100% poly (methacrylic acid, ethyl acrylate) 1:1 and 0% poly (methacrylic acid, methylmethacrylate) 1:2 to 2% poly (methacrylic acid, ethyl acrylate) 1:1 and 98% poly (methacrylic acid, methylmethacrylate) 1:2; and the hydrophobic compound comprises hydrogenated vegetable oil.

In a preferred embodiment, the formulation includes excipients to improve the viscosity and the pourability of the mixture of the particulate formulation with tap water. As such, the particulate formulation comprises, besides the immediate release and modified release particles of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, one or more suspending or viscosifying agents or lubricants.

Preferred suspending or viscosifying agents are chosen from the group consisting of xanthan gum, medium viscosity sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, mixtures of microcrystalline cellulose and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, mixtures of microcrystalline cellulose and guar gum, medium viscosity hydroxyethyl cellulose, agar, sodium alginate, mixtures of sodium alginate and calcium alginate, gellan gum, carrageenan gum grade iota, kappa or lambda, and medium viscosity hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose.

Medium viscosity sodium carboxymethyl cellulose corresponds to grade of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose whose viscosity, for a 2% solution in water at 25° C., is greater than 200 mPa·s and lower than 3100 mPa·s.

Medium viscosity hydroxyethyl cellulose corresponds to a grade of hydroxyethyl cellulose whose viscosity, for a 2% solution in water at 25° C., is greater than 250 mPa·s and lower than 6500 mPa·s. Medium viscosity hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose corresponds to a grade of hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose whose viscosity, for a 2% solution in water at 20° C., is greater than 80 mPa·s. and lower than 3800 mPa·s.

Preferred suspending or viscosifying agents are xanthan gum, especially Xantural 75™ from Kelco, hydroxyethylcellulose, especially Natrosol 250M™ from Ashland, Kappa carrageenan gum, especially Gelcarin PH812™ from FMC Biopolymer, and lambda carrageenan gum, especially Viscarin PH209™ from FMC Biopolymer.

In a preferred embodiment, the modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate comprises from 1 to 15% of viscosifying or suspending agents, preferably from 2 to 10%, more preferably from 2 to 5%, and most preferably from 2 to 3% of the formulation.

In a preferred embodiment, the modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate is in the form of a powder that is intended to be dispersed in water prior to administration and further comprises from 1 to 15% of a suspending or viscosifying agent selected from a mixture of xanthan gum, carrageenan gum and hydroxyethylcellulose or xanthan gum and carrageenan gum.

In a preferred embodiment, the modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate is in the form of a powder that is intended to be dispersed in water prior to administration and further comprises: from 1.2 to 15% of an acidifying agent selected from malic acid and tartaric acid; and from 1 to 15% of a suspending or viscosifying agent selected from a mixture of xanthan gum, carrageenan gum and hydroxyethylcellulose or xanthan gum and carrageenan gum.

In a most preferred embodiment, the modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate comprises about 1% of lambda carrageenan gum or Viscarin PH209™, about 1% of medium viscosity grade of hydroxyethyl cellulose or Natrosol 250M™, and about 0.7% of xanthan gum or Xantural 75™. For a 4.5 g dose unit, these percentages will typically equate to about 50 mg xanthan gum (Xantural 75™), about 75 mg carragenan gum (Viscarin PH209™), and about 75 mg hydroxyethylcellulose (Natrasol 250M™).

Alternative packages of viscosifying or suspending agents, for a 4.5 g dose, include about 50 mg xanthan gum (Xantural 75™) and about 100 mg carragenan gum (Gelcarin PH812™), or about 50 mg xanthan gum (Xantural 75™), about 75 mg hydroxyethylcellulose (Natrasol 250M™) and about 75 mg carragenan gum (Viscarin PH109™)

In a preferred embodiment, the modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate further comprises a lubricant or a glidant, besides the immediate release and modified release particles of gamma-hydroxybutyrate. Preferred lubricants and glidants are chosen from the group consisting of salts of stearic acid, in particular magnesium stearate, calcium stearate or zinc stearate, esters of stearic acid, in particular glyceryl monostearate or glyceryl palmitostearate, stearic acid, glycerol behenate, sodium stearyl fumarate, talc, and colloidal silicon dioxide.

The preferred lubricant or glidant is magnesium stearate.

The lubricant or glidant can be used in the particulate formulation in an amount of from 0.1 to 5%. The preferred amount is about 0.5%.

Most preferably, the modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate comprises about 0.5% of magnesium stearate.

A preferred modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate further comprises an acidifying agent. The acidifying agent helps to ensure that the release profile of the formulation in 0.1N HCl will remain substantially unchanged for at least 15 minutes after mixing, which is approximately the maximum length of time a patient might require before consuming the dose after mixing the formulation with tap water.

In one particular subembodiment the formulation is a powder, and further comprising an acidifying agent and a suspending or viscosifying agent, preferably in the weight percentages recited herein.

The preferred acidifying agents are chosen from the group consisting of malic acid, citric acid, tartaric acid, adipic acid, boric acid, maleic acid, phosphoric acid, ascorbic acid, oleic acid, capric acid, caprylic acid, and benzoic acid. In a preferred embodiment, the acidifying agent is present in the formulation from 1.2 to 15%, preferably from 1.2 to 10%, preferably from 1.2 to 5%. Preferred acidifying agents are tartaric acid and malic acid, with malic acid being most preferred.

When tartaric acid is employed, it is preferably employed in an amount of from 1 to 10%, from 2.5 to 7.5%, or about 5%. In a most preferred embodiment, the amount of malic acid in the modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate is from 1.2 to 15%, preferably from 1.2 to 10%, preferably from 1.2 to 5%, and most preferably 1.6% or 3.2%.

In a most preferred embodiment, the amount of malic acid in the modified release formulation of gamma hydroxybutyrate is about 1.6%.

The modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate preferably includes an immediate release portion and a modified release portion of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, and in a particularly preferred embodiment, the formulation is a particulate formulation that includes a plurality of immediate release gamma-hydroxybutyrate particles and a plurality of modified release gamma-hydroxybutyrate particles. The molar ratio of gamma-hydroxybutyrate in the immediate release and modified release portions preferably ranges from 0.11:1 to 1.86:1, from 0.17:1 to 1.5:1, from 0.25:1 to 1.22:1, from 0.33:1 to 1.22:1, from 0.42:1 to 1.22:1, from 0.53:1 to 1.22:1, from 0.66:1 to 1.22:1, from 0.66:1 to 1.5:1, from 0.8:1 to 1.22:1, and preferably is about 1:1. The molar percentage of gamma-hydroxybutyrate in the immediate release portion relative to the total of gamma-hydroxybutyrate in the formulation preferably ranges from 10% to 65%, from 15 to 60%, from 20 to 55%, from 25 to 55%, from 30 to 55%, from 35 to 55%, from 40 to 55%, from 40 to 60%, or from 45 to 55%, preferably from 40% to 60%. In a preferred embodiment, the molar percentage of the gamma-hydroxybutyrate in the immediate release portion relative to the total of gamma-hydroxybutyrate in the formulation is about 50%. The molar percentage of gamma-hydroxybutyrate in the modified release portion relative to the total of gamma-hydroxybutyrate in the formulation preferably ranges from 90% to 35%, from 85 to 40%, from 80 to 45%, from 75 to 45%, from 70 to 45%, from 65 to 45%, from 60 to 45%, from 60 to 40%, or from 55 to 45%, preferably from 60% to 40%. In a preferred embodiment, the molar ratio of the gamma-hydroxybutyrate in the modified release portion relative to the total of gamma-hydroxybutyrate in the formulation is about 50%. The weight percentage of the IR microparticles relative to the total weight of IR microparticles and MR microparticles, preferably ranges from 7.2% to 58.2%, from 11.0% to 52.9%, from 14.9% to 47.8%, from 18.9% to 47.8%, from 23.1% to 47.8%, from 27.4% to 47.8%, from 31.8% to 47.8%, from 31.8% to 52.9%, or from 36.4% to 47.8%. In other embodiments, the weight percentage of the IR microparticles relative to the total weight of IR microparticles and MR microparticles preferably ranges from 5.9% to 63.2%, from 9.1% to 58.1%, from 12.4% to 53.1%, from 19.9% to 53.1%, from 19.6% to 53.1%, from 23.4% to 53.1%, from 27.4% to 53.1% from 27.4% to 58.1%, preferably from 31.7% to 53.1%.

In a preferred embodiment, the finished formulation comprises 50% of its sodium oxybate content in immediate-release particles consisting of 80.75% w/w of sodium oxybate, 4.25% w/w of Povidone K30 and 15% of microcrystalline cellulose spheres with a volume mean diameter of about 95 microns to 450 microns and 50% of its sodium oxybate content in modified release particles consisting of 10.5% w/w of microcrystalline cellulose spheres with a volume mean diameter of about 95 microns to about 450 microns, layered with 56.5% w/w of sodium oxybate mixed with 3% w/w of Povidone™ K30 and finally coated with a coating composition consisting of 18% w/w of hydrogenated vegetable oil (Lubritab™ or equivalent), 4% of methacrylic acid copolymer type C (Eudragit™ L100-55 or equivalent) and 8% of methacrylic acid copolymer type B (Eudragit™ S100 or equivalent).

In a preferred embodiment, the finished formulation comprises 50% of its sodium oxybate content in immediate-release particles consisting of 80.75% w/w of sodium oxybate, 4.25% w/w of Povidone K30 and 15% of microcrystalline cellulose spheres with a volume mean diameter of about 95 microns to 170 microns and 50% of its sodium oxybate content in modified release particles consisting of 10.5% w/w of microcrystalline cellulose spheres with a volume mean diameter of about 95 microns to about 170 microns, layered with 56.5% w/w of sodium oxybate mixed with 3% w/w of Povidone™ K30 and finally coated with a coating composition consisting of 18% w/w of hydrogenated vegetable oil (Lubritab™ or equivalent), 4% of methacrylic acid copolymer type C (Eudragit™ L100-55 or equivalent) and 8% of methacrylic acid copolymer type B (Eudragit™ S100 or equivalent).

In a preferred embodiment, the finished formulation comprises 50% of its sodium oxybate content in immediate-release particles consisting of 80.75% w/w of sodium oxybate, 4.25% w/w of Povidone K30 and 15% of microcrystalline cellulose spheres with a volume mean diameter of about 95 microns to about 450 microns and 50% of its sodium oxybate content in modified release particles consisting of 11.3% w/w of microcrystalline cellulose spheres with a volume mean diameter of about 95 microns to about 450 microns, layered with 60.5% w/w of sodium oxybate mixed with 3.2% w/w of Povidone™ K30 and finally coated with a coating composition consisting of 15% w/w of hydrogenated vegetable oil (Lubritab™ or equivalent), 0.75% of methacrylic acid copolymer type C (Eudragit™ L100-55 or equivalent) and 9.25% of methacrylic acid copolymer type B (Eudragit™ S100 or equivalent).

In a preferred embodiment, the finished formulation comprises 50% of its sodium oxybate content in immediate-release particles consisting of 80.75% w/w of sodium oxybate, 4.25% w/w of Povidone™ K30 and 15% of microcrystalline cellulose spheres with a volume mean diameter of about 95 microns to about 170 microns and 50% of its sodium oxybate content in modified release particles consisting of 11.3% w/w of microcrystalline cellulose spheres with a volume mean diameter of about 95 microns to about 170 microns, layered with 60.5% w/w of sodium oxybate mixed with 3.2% w/w of Povidone™ K30 and finally coated with a coating composition consisting of 15% w/w of hydrogenated vegetable oil (Lubritab™ or equivalent), 0.75% of methacrylic acid copolymer type C (Eudragit™ L100-55 or equivalent) and 9.25% of methacrylic acid copolymer type B (Eudragit™ S 100 or equivalent).

In a preferred embodiment, the finished formulation comprises 50% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate content in immediate-release particles consisting of 80.75% w/w of potassium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, 4.25% w/w of Povidone K30 and 15% of microcrystalline cellulose spheres with a volume mean diameter of about 95 microns to about 450 microns and 50% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate content in modified release particles consisting of 10.5% w/w of microcrystalline cellulose spheres with a volume mean diameter of about 95 microns to about 450 microns, layered with 56.5% w/w of sodium oxybate mixed with 3% w/w of Povidone™ K30 and finally coated with a coating composition consisting of 18% w/w of hydrogenated vegetable oil (Lubritab™ or equivalent), 4% of methacrylic acid copolymer type C (Eudragit™ L100-55 or equivalent) and 8% of methacrylic acid copolymer type B (Eudragit™ S 100 or equivalent).

In a preferred embodiment, the finished formulation comprises 50% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate content in immediate-release particles consisting of 80.75% w/w of potassium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, 4.25% w/w of Povidone K30 and 15% of microcrystalline cellulose spheres with a volume mean diameter of about 95 microns to about 170 microns and 50% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate content in modified release particles consisting of 10.5% w/w of microcrystalline cellulose spheres with a volume mean diameter of about 95 microns to about 170 microns, layered with 56.5% w/w of sodium oxybate mixed with 3% w/w of Povidone™ K30 and finally coated with a coating composition consisting of 18% w/w of hydrogenated vegetable oil (Lubritab™ or equivalent), 4% of methacrylic acid copolymer type C (Eudragit™ L100-55 or equivalent) and 8% of methacrylic acid copolymer type B (Eudragit™ S 100 or equivalent).

In a preferred embodiment, the finished formulation comprises 16.7% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate content in immediate-release particles consisting of 80.75% w/w of potassium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, 4.25% w/w of Povidone K30 and 15% of microcrystalline cellulose spheres with a volume mean diameter of about 95 microns to about 450 microns, 16.7% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate content in immediate-release particles consisting of 80.75% w/w of magnesium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, 4.25% w/w of Povidone K30 and 15% of microcrystalline cellulose spheres with a volume mean diameter of about 95 microns to about 450 microns, 16.7% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate content in immediate-release particles consisting of 80.75% w/w of calcium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, 4.25% w/w of Povidone K30 and 15% of microcrystalline cellulose spheres with a volume mean diameter of about 95 microns to about 450 microns and 50% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate content in modified release particles consisting of 10.5% w/w of microcrystalline cellulose spheres with a volume mean diameter of about 95 microns to about 450 microns, layered with 56.5% w/w of sodium oxybate mixed with 3% w/w of Povidone™ K30 and finally coated with a coating composition consisting of 18% w/w of hydrogenated vegetable oil (Lubritab™ or equivalent), 4% of methacrylic acid copolymer type C (Eudragit™ L100-55 or equivalent) and 8% of methacrylic acid copolymer type B (Eudragit™ S100 or equivalent).

In a preferred embodiment, the finished formulation comprises 16.7% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate content in immediate-release particles consisting of 80.75% w/w of potassium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, 4.25% w/w of Povidone K30 and 15% of microcrystalline cellulose spheres with a volume mean diameter of about 95 microns to about 170 microns, 16.7% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate content in immediate-release particles consisting of 80.75% w/w of magnesium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, 4.25% w/w of Povidone K30 and 15% of microcrystalline cellulose spheres with a volume mean diameter of about 95 microns to about 170 microns, 16.7% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate content in immediate-release particles consisting of 80.75% w/w of calcium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, 4.25% w/w of Povidone K30 and 15% of microcrystalline cellulose spheres with a volume mean diameter of about 95 microns to about 170 microns and 50% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate content in modified release particles consisting of 10.5% w/w of microcrystalline cellulose spheres with a volume mean diameter of about 95 microns to about 170 microns, layered with 56.5% w/w of sodium oxybate mixed with 3% w/w of Povidone™ K30 and finally coated with a coating composition consisting of 18% w/w of hydrogenated vegetable oil (Lubritab™ or equivalent), 4% of methacrylic acid copolymer type C (Eudragit™ L100-55 or equivalent) and 8% of methacrylic acid copolymer type B (Eudragit™ S100 or equivalent).

In a preferred embodiment, the finished formulation comprises 50% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate content in immediate-release particles consisting of 80.75% w/w of potassium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, 4.25% w/w of Povidone K30 and 15% of microcrystalline cellulose spheres with a volume mean diameter of about 95 microns to about 450 microns and 50% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate content in modified release particles consisting of 10.5% w/w of microcrystalline cellulose spheres with a volume mean diameter of about 95 microns to about 450 microns, layered with 56.5% w/w of calcium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid mixed with 3% w/w of Povidone™ K30 and finally coated with a coating composition consisting of 18% w/w of hydrogenated vegetable oil (Lubritab™ or equivalent), 4% of methacrylic acid copolymer type C (Eudragit™ L100-55 or equivalent) and 8% of methacrylic acid copolymer type B (Eudragit™ S100 or equivalent).

In a preferred embodiment, the finished formulation comprises 50% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate content in immediate-release particles consisting of 80.75% w/w of potassium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, 4.25% w/w of Povidone K30 and 15% of microcrystalline cellulose spheres with a volume mean diameter of about 95 microns to about 170 microns and 50% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate content in modified release particles consisting of 10.5% w/w of microcrystalline cellulose spheres with a volume mean diameter of about 95 microns to about 170 microns, layered with 56.5% w/w of calcium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid mixed with 3% w/w of Povidone™ K30 and finally coated with a coating composition consisting of 18% w/w of hydrogenated vegetable oil (Lubritab™ or equivalent), 4% of methacrylic acid copolymer type C (Eudragit™ L100-55 or equivalent) and 8% of methacrylic acid copolymer type B (Eudragit™ S100 or equivalent).

Other Characteristics of Immediate Release Portion

The immediate release portion of the formulation can take any form capable of achieving an immediate release of the gamma-hydroxybutyrate when ingested. For example, when the formulation is a particulate formulation, the formulation can include unmodified “raw” gamma-hydroxybutyrate, rapidly dissolving gamma-hydroxybutyrate granules, particles or microparticles comprised of a core covered by a gamma-hydroxybutyrate loaded layer containing a binder such as povidone.

The IR granules or particles of gamma-hydroxybutyrate can be made using any manufacturing process suitable to produce the required particles, including:

-   -   agglomeration of the gamma-hydroxybutyrate sprayed preferably in         the molten state, such as the Glatt ProCell™ technique,     -   extrusion and spheronization of the gamma-hydroxybutyrate,         optionally with one or more physiologically acceptable         excipients,     -   wet granulation of the gamma-hydroxybutyrate, optionally with         one or more physiologically acceptable excipients,     -   compacting of the gamma-hydroxybutyrate, optionally with one or         more physiologically acceptable excipients,     -   granulation and spheronization of the gamma-hydroxybutyrate,         optionally with one or more physiologically acceptable         excipients, the spheronization being carried out for example in         a fluidized bed apparatus equipped with a rotor, in particular         using the Glatt CPS™ technique,     -   spraying of the gamma-hydroxybutyrate, optionally with one or         more physiologically acceptable excipients, for example in a         fluidized bed type apparatus equipped with zig-zag filter, in         particular using the Glatt MicroPx™ technique, or     -   spraying, for example in a fluidized bed apparatus optionally         equipped with a partition tube or Wurster tube, the         gamma-hydroxybutyrate, optionally with one or more         physiologically acceptable excipients, in dispersion or in         solution in an aqueous or organic solvent on a core.

Preferably, the immediate release portion of the formulation is in the form of microparticles comprising the immediate release gamma-hydroxybutyrate and optional pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. In a preferred embodiment, the immediate release microparticles of gamma-hydroxybutyrate have a volume mean diameter D(4,3) of from 10 to 1000 microns, preferably from 95 to 600 microns, more preferably from 150 to 400 microns. Most preferably their volume mean diameter is about 270 microns.

The preferred immediate release particles of gamma-hydroxybutyrate of the present invention comprises a core and a layer deposited on the core that contains the gamma-hydroxybutyrate. The core can be any particle chosen from the group consisting of:

-   -   crystals or spheres of lactose, sucrose (such as Compressuc™ PS         from Tereos), microcrystalline cellulose (such as Avicel™ from         FMC Biopolymer, Cellet™ from Pharmatrans or Celphere™ from Asahi         Kasei), sodium chloride, calcium carbonate (such as Omyapure™ 35         from Omya), sodium hydrogen carbonate, dicalcium phosphate (such         as Dicafos™ AC 92-12 from Budenheim) or tricalcium phosphate         (such as Tricafos™ SC93-15 from Budenheim);     -   composite spheres or granules, for example sugar spheres         comprising sucrose and starch (such as Suglets™ from NP Pharm),         spheres of calcium carbonate and starch (such as Destab™ 90 S         Ultra 250 from Particle Dynamics) or spheres of calcium         carbonate and maltodextrin (such as Hubercal™ CCG4100 from         Huber).

The core can also comprise other particles of pharmaceutically acceptable excipients such as particles of hydroxypropyl cellulose (such as Klucel™ from Aqualon Hercules), guar gum particles (such as Grinsted™ Guar from Danisco), xanthan particles (such as Xantural™ 180 from CP Kelco).

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the cores are sugar spheres or microcrystalline cellulose spheres, such as Cellets™ 90, Cellets™ 100 or Cellets™ 127 marketed by Pharmatrans, or also Celphere™ CP 203, Celphere™ CP305, Celphere™ SCP 100. Preferably the core is a microcrystalline cellulose sphere. Most preferably the core is a Cellets™ 127 from Pharmatrans.

The core preferably has a mean volume diameter of about 95 to about 450 microns, preferably about 95 to about 170 microns, most preferably about 140 microns.

The layer deposited onto the core comprises the immediate release gamma-hydroxybutyrate. Preferably the layer also comprises a binder, which can be chosen from the group consisting of:

-   -   low molecular weight hydroxypropyl cellulose (such as Klucel™ EF         from Aqualon-Hercules), low molecular weight hydroxypropyl         methylcellulose (or hypromellose) (such as Methocel™ E3 or E5         from Dow), or low molecular weight methylcellulose (such as         Methocel™ A1 5 from Dow);     -   low molecular weight polyvinyl pyrrolidone (or povidone) (such         as Plasdone™ K29/32 from ISP or Kollidon™ 30 from BASF), vinyl         pyrrolidone and vinyl acetate copolymer (or copovidone) (such as         Plasdone: S630 from ISP or Kollidon™ VA 64 from BASF);     -   dextrose, pregelatinized starch, maltodextrin; and mixtures         thereof.

Low molecular weight hydroxypropyl cellulose corresponds to grades of hydroxypropyl cellulose having a molecular weight of less than 800,000 g/mol, preferably less than or equal to 400,000 g/mol, and in particular less than or equal to 100,000 g/mol. Low molecular weight hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (or hypromellose) corresponds to grades of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose the solution viscosity of which, for a 2% solution in water and at 20° C., is less than or equal to 1,000 mPa·s, preferably less than or equal to 100 mPa·s and in particular less than or equal to 15 mPa·s. Low molecular weight polyvinyl pyrrolidone (or povidone) corresponds to grades of polyvinyl pyrrolidone having a molecular weight of less than or equal to 1,000,000 g/mol, preferably less than or equal to 800,000 g/mol, and in particular less than or equal to 100,000 g/mol.

Preferably, the binding agent is chosen from low molecular weight polyvinylpyrrolidone or povidone (for example, Plasdone™ K29/32 from ISP), low molecular weight hydroxypropyl cellulose (for example, Klucel™ EF from Aqualon-Hercules), low molecular weight hydroxypropyl methylcellulose or hypromellose (for example, Methocel™ E3 or E5 from Dow) and mixtures thereof.

The preferred binder is povidone K30 or K29/32, especially Plasdone™ K29/32 from ISP. The binder can be present in an amount of 0 to 80%, 0 to 70%, 0 to 60%, 0 to 50%, 0 to 40%, 0 to 30%, 0 to 25%, 0 to 20%, 0 to 15%, 0 to 10%, or from 1 to 9%, most preferably 5% of binder based on the total weight of the immediate release coating.

The preferred amount of binder is 5% of binder over the total mass of gamma-hydroxybutyrate and binder.

The layer deposited on the core can represent at least 10% by weight, and even greater than 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85 or 90% by weight of the total weight of the immediate release particle of gamma-hydroxybutyrate. Most preferably, the layer deposited on the core represents about 85% of the weight of the immediate release particle of gamma-hydroxybutyrate.

According to a preferred embodiment, the immediate-release particles comprise 80.75% w/w of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, 4.25% w/w of Povidone K30 and 15% of microcrystalline cellulose spheres.

According to a preferred embodiment, the immediate-release particles comprise 80.75% w/w of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, 4.25% w/w of Povidone K30 and 15% of microcrystalline cellulose spheres with a volume mean diameter of about 95 microns to about 450 microns.

According to a preferred embodiment, the immediate-release particles comprise 80.75% w/w of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, 4.25% w/w of Povidone K30 and 15% of microcrystalline cellulose spheres with a volume mean diameter of about 95 microns to about 170 microns.

According to a preferred embodiment, the immediate-release particles comprise 80.75% w/w of sodium oxybate, 4.25% w/w of Povidone K30 and 15% of microcrystalline cellulose spheres.

According to another preferred embodiment, the immediate-release particles comprise 80.75% w/w of potassium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, 4.25% w/w of Povidone K30 and 15% of microcrystalline cellulose spheres.

According to another preferred embodiment, the immediate-release particles comprise 80.75% w/w of calcium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, 4.25% w/w of Povidone K30 and 15% of microcrystalline cellulose spheres.

According to another preferred embodiment, the immediate-release particles comprise 80.75% w/w of magnesium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, 4.25% w/w of Povidone K30 and 15% of microcrystalline cellulose spheres.

According to another embodiment, the immediate-release particles are manufactured by dissolving the gamma-hydroxybutyrate and the Povidone K30 in a mixture of water/ethanol 40/60 w/w and spraying the resulting solution onto the surface of the microcrystalline cellulose spheres.

Other Characteristics of Modified Release Portion

The modified release portion can be any formulation that provides the desired in vitro dissolution profile of gamma-hydroxybutyrate. The modified release portion is preferably comprised of modified release particles, obtained by coating immediate release particles of gamma-hydroxybutyrate with a coating (or coating film) that inhibits the immediate release of the gamma-hydroxybutyrate. In one sub-embodiment the modified release portion comprises particles comprising: (a) an inert core; (b) a coating; and (c) a layer comprising the gamma hydroxybutyrate interposed between the core and the coating.

In a preferred embodiment, the modified release portion comprises a time-dependent release mechanism and a pH-dependent release mechanism.

In a preferred embodiment, the coating film comprises at least one polymer carrying free carboxylic groups, and at least one hydrophobic compound preferably characterized by a melting point equal or greater than 40° C.

The polymer carrying free carboxylic groups is preferably selected from: (meth)acrylic acid/alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers or methacrylic acid and methylmethacrylate copolymers or methacrylic acid and ethyl acrylate copolymers or methacrylic acid copolymers type A, B or C, cellulose derivatives carrying free carboxylic groups, preferably cellulose acetate phthalate, cellulose acetate succinate, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose phthalate, carboxymethylethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate trimellitate, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose acetate succinate, polyvinyl acetate phthalate, zein, shellac, alginate and mixtures thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, the methacrylic acid copolymers are chosen from the group consisting of poly (methacrylic acid, methyl methacrylate) 1:1 or Eudragit™ L100 or equivalent, poly (methacrylic acid, ethyl acrylate) 1:1 or Eudragit™ L100-55 or equivalent and poly (methacrylic acid, methyl methacrylate) 1:2 or Eudragit™ S 100 or equivalent.

In another subembodiment the coating comprises a polymer carrying free carboxylic groups wherein the free carboxylic groups are substantially ionized at pH 7.5.

The hydrophobic compound with a melting point equal or greater than 40° C. can be selected from the group consisting of hydrogenated vegetable oils, vegetable waxes, wax yellow, wax white, wax microcrystalline, lanolin, anhydrous milk fat, hard fat suppository base, lauroyl macrogol glycerides, polyglyceryl diisostearate, diesters or triesters of glycerol with a fatty acid, and mixtures thereof.

Even more preferably, the hydrophobic compound with a melting point equal or greater than 40° C. is chosen from the group of following products: hydrogenated cottonseed oil, hydrogenated soybean oil, hydrogenated palm oil, glyceryl behenate, hydrogenated castor oil, candellila wax, tristearin, tripalmitin, trimyristin, yellow wax, hard fat or fat that is useful as suppository bases, anhydrous dairy fats, lanolin, glyceryl palmitostearate, glyceryl stearate, lauryl macrogol glycerides, polyglyceryl diisostearate, diethylene glycol monostearate, ethylene glycol monostearate, omega 3 fatty acids, and mixtures thereof. A particularly preferred subgroup of products comprises hydrogenated cottonseed oil, hydrogenated soybean oil, hydrogenated palm oil, glyceryl behenate, hydrogenated castor oil, candelilla wax, tristearin, tripalmitin, trimyristin, beeswax, hydrogenated poly-1 decene, carnauba wax, and mixtures thereof.

In practice, and without this being limiting, it is preferable the hydrophobic compound with a melting point equal or greater than 40° C. to be chosen from the group of products sold under the following trademarks: Dynasan™, Cutina™, Hydrobase™, Dub™, Castorwax™, Croduret™, Compritol™, Sterotex™, Lubritab™, Apifil™, Akofine™, Softisan™, Hydrocote™, Livopol™, Super Hartolan™, MGLA™, Corona™, Protalan™, Akosoft™, Akosol™, Cremao™, Massupol™, Novata™, Suppocire™, Wecobee™, Witepsol™, Lanolin™, Incromega™, Estaram™, Suppoweiss™, Gelucire™, Precirol™, Emulcire™, Plurol Diisostéarique™, Geleol™, Hydrine™, Monthyle™, Kahlwax™ and mixtures thereof; and, preferably, from the group of products sold under the following trademarks: Dynasan™ P60, Dynasan™114, Dynasan™116, Dynasan™118, Cutina™ HR, Hydrobase™ 66-68, Dub™ HPH, Compritol™ 888, Sterotex™ NF, Sterotex™ K, Lubritab™, and mixtures thereof.

A particularly suitable coating is composed of a mixture of hydrogenated vegetable oil and a methacrylic acid copolymer. The exact structure and amount of each component, and the amount of coating applied to the particle, controls the release rate and release triggers. Eudragit® methacrylic acid copolymers, namely the methacrylic acid—methyl methacrylate copolymers and the methacrylic acid—ethyl acrylate copolymers, have a pH-dependent solubility: typically, the pH triggering the release of the active ingredient from the microparticles is set by the choice and mixture of appropriate Eudragit® polymers. In the case of gamma hydroxybutyrate modified release microparticles, the theoretical pH triggering the release is preferably from 5.5 to 6.97 or 6.9, more preferably 6.5 up to 6.9. By “pH trigger” is meant the minimum pH above which dissolution of the polymer occurs.

In a particular embodiment, the coating comprises a hydrophobic compound with a melting point equal or greater than 40° C. and a polymer carrying free carboxylic groups are present in a weight ratio from 0.4 or 0.5 to 4, preferably from 0.6 or 0.67 to 2.5, most preferably from 0.6 or 0.67 to 2.33; most preferably about 1.5.

A particularly suitable coating is composed of a mixture of hydrogenated vegetable oil and a methacrylic acid copolymer with a theoretical pH triggering the release from 6.5 up to 6.97 in a weight ratio from 0.4 or 0.5 to 4, preferably from 0.6 or 0.67 to 2.5, most preferably from 0.6 or 0.67 to 2.33; most preferably of about 1.5.

The modified release particles of gamma-hydroxybutyrate preferably have a volume mean diameter of from 100 to 1200 microns, from 100 to 500 microns, from 200 to 800 microns, and preferably of about 320 microns.

The coating can preferably represent 10 to 50%, 15 to 45%, 20 to 40%, or 25 to 35% by weight of the total weight of the coated modified release particles. Preferably, the coating represents 25-30% by weight of the total weight of the modified release particles of gamma-hydroxybutyrate.

In a preferred embodiment, the coating layer of the modified release particles of gamma-hydroxybutyrate is obtained by spraying, in particular in a fluidized bed apparatus, a solution, suspension or dispersion comprising the coating composition as defined previously onto the immediate release particles of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, in particular the immediate release particles of gamma-hydroxybutyrate as previously described. Preferably, the coating is formed by spraying in a fluidized bed equipped with a Wurster or partition tube and according to an upward spray orientation or bottom spray a solution of the coating excipients in hot isopropyl alcohol.

According to a preferred embodiment, the modified release particles of gamma-hydroxybutyrate consist of 10.5% w/w of microcrystalline cellulose spheres with a volume mean diameter of about 95 microns to about 450 microns, layered with 56.5% w/w of gamma-hydroxybutyrate mixed with 3% w/w of Povidone™ K30 and finally coated with a coating composition consisting of 18% w/w of hydrogenated vegetable oil (Lubritab™ or equivalent), 4% of methacrylic acid copolymer type C (Eudragit™ L100-55 or equivalent) and 8% of methacrylic acid copolymer type B (Eudragit™ S 100 or equivalent), all percentages expressed based on the total weight of the final modified release particles of gamma-hydroxybutyrate.

According to a preferred embodiment, the modified release particles of gamma-hydroxybutyrate consist of 10.5% w/w of microcrystalline cellulose spheres with a volume mean diameter of about 95 microns to about 170 microns, layered with 56.5% w/w of gamma-hydroxybutyrate mixed with 3% w/w of Povidone™ K30 and finally coated with a coating composition consisting of 18% w/w of hydrogenated vegetable oil (Lubritab™ or equivalent), 4% of methacrylic acid copolymer type C (Eudragit™ L100-55 or equivalent) and 8% of methacrylic acid copolymer type B (Eudragit™ S 100 or equivalent), all percentages expressed based on the total weight of the final modified release particles of gamma-hydroxybutyrate.

According to a preferred embodiment, the modified release particles of gamma-hydroxybutyrate consist of 10.5% w/w of microcrystalline cellulose spheres with a volume mean diameter of about 95 microns to about 450 microns, layered with 56.5% w/w of sodium oxybate mixed with 3% w/w of Povidone™ K30 and finally coated with a coating composition consisting of 18% w/w of hydrogenated vegetable oil (Lubritab™ or equivalent), 4% of methacrylic acid copolymer type C (Eudragit™ L100-55 or equivalent) and 8% of methacrylic acid copolymer type B (Eudragit™ S100 or equivalent), all percentages expressed based on the total weight of the final modified release particles of sodium oxybate.

According to a preferred embodiment, the modified release particles of gamma-hydroxybutyrate consist of 10.5% w/w of microcrystalline cellulose spheres with a volume mean diameter of about 95 microns to about 170 microns, layered with 56.5% w/w of sodium oxybate mixed with 3% w/w of Povidone™ K30 and finally coated with a coating composition consisting of 18% w/w of hydrogenated vegetable oil (Lubritab™ or equivalent), 4% of methacrylic acid copolymer type C (Eudragit™ L100-55 or equivalent) and 8% of methacrylic acid copolymer type B (Eudragit™ S100 or equivalent), all percentages expressed based on the total weight of the final modified release particles of sodium oxybate.

According to another preferred embodiment, the modified release particles of gamma-hydroxybutyrate consist of 11.3% w/w of microcrystalline cellulose spheres with a volume mean diameter of about 95 microns to about 450 microns, layered with 60.5% w/w of gamma-hydroxybutyrate mixed with 3.2% w/w of Povidone™ K30 and finally coated with a coating composition consisting of 15% w/w of hydrogenated vegetable oil (Lubritab™ or equivalent), 0.75% of methacrylic acid copolymer type C (Eudragit™ L100-55 or equivalent) and 9.25% of methacrylic acid copolymer type B (Eudragit™ S 100 or equivalent).

According to another preferred embodiment, the modified release particles of gamma-hydroxybutyrate consist of 11.3% w/w of microcrystalline cellulose spheres with a volume mean diameter of about 95 microns to about 170 microns, layered with 60.5% w/w of gamma-hydroxybutyrate mixed with 3.2% w/w of Povidone™ K30 and finally coated with a coating composition consisting of 15% w/w of hydrogenated vegetable oil (Lubritab™ or equivalent), 0.75% of methacrylic acid copolymer type C (Eudragit™ L100-55 or equivalent) and 9.25% of methacrylic acid copolymer type B (Eudragit™ S 100 or equivalent).

According to another preferred embodiment, the modified release particles of gamma-hydroxybutyrate consist of 11.3% w/w of microcrystalline cellulose spheres with a volume mean diameter of about 95 microns to about 450 microns, layered with 60.5% w/w of sodium oxybate mixed with 3.2% w/w of Povidone™ K30 and finally coated with a coating composition consisting of 15% w/w of hydrogenated vegetable oil (Lubritab™ or equivalent), 0.75% of methacrylic acid copolymer type C (Eudragit™ L100-55 or equivalent) and 9.25% of methacrylic acid copolymer type B (Eudragit™ S100 or equivalent).

According to another preferred embodiment, the modified release particles of gamma-hydroxybutyrate consist of 11.3% w/w of microcrystalline cellulose spheres with a volume mean diameter of about 95 microns to about 170 microns, layered with 60.5% w/w of sodium oxybate mixed with 3.2% w/w of Povidone™ K30 and finally coated with a coating composition consisting of 15% w/w of hydrogenated vegetable oil (Lubritab™ or equivalent), 0.75% of methacrylic acid copolymer type C (Eudragit™ L100-55 or equivalent) and 9.25% of methacrylic acid copolymer type B (Eudragit™ S100 or equivalent).

Packaging

The modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate is preferably supplied in sachets or stick-packs comprising a particulate formulation. The sachets are preferably available in several different doses, comprising gamma-hydroxybutyrate in amounts equivalents to 0.5 g, 1.0 g, 1.5 g, 3.0 g, 4.5 g, 6.0 g, 7.5 g, 9.0 g, 10.5 g and/or 12 g of sodium oxybate. Depending on the dose required, one or more of these sachets can be opened, and its contents mixed with tap water to provide the nightly dose of gamma-hydroxybutyrate.

Methods of Treatment

The invention further provides a method of treating a disorder treatable with gamma-hydroxybutyrate in a human subject in need thereof comprising orally administering a single bedtime daily dose to said human amounts of gamma-hydroxybutyrate equivalent to from 3.0 to 12.0 g of sodium oxybate in the formulation of the present invention. The invention further provides methods of treating narcolepsy, types 1 and/or 2, by orally administering at bedtime a therapeutically effective amount of a gamma-hydroxybutyrate formulation characterized by the novel gamma-hydroxybutyrate pharmacokinetics or dissolution properties of the present invention. The modified release formulation of the present invention is effective to treat narcolepsy Type 1 or Type 2, wherein said treatment of narcolepsy is defined as reducing excessive daytime sleepiness or reducing the frequency of cataplectic attacks. The therapeutically effective amount preferably comprises equivalents from 3.0 to 12.0 g of sodium oxybate, more preferably from to 9.0 g of sodium oxybate, and most preferably 4.5, 6.0, 7.5 or 9.0 g of sodium oxybate. The effectiveness of the treatment can be measured by one or any combination of the following criteria:

-   -   Increase the mean sleep latency, preferably as determined on the         Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT)     -   Improve the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) rating of         sleepiness     -   Decrease the number of cataplexy attacks (NCA) preferably         determined from the cataplexy frequency item in the Sleep and         Symptoms Daily Diary     -   Decrease the disturbed nocturnal sleep (DNS), the disturbed         nocturnal events or the adverse respiratory events preferably as         determined by polysomnographic (PSG) measures of sleep         fragmentation     -   Decrease the excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) preferably as         measured by patient report via the Epworth Sleepiness Scale         (ESS)     -   Decrease the daytime sleepiness as measured by the Maintenance         of Wakefulness Test based on EEG measures of wakefulness     -   Decrease PSG transitions from N/2 to N/3 and REM sleep to wake         and N1 sleep (as determined by C Iber, S Ancoli-Israel, A         Chesson, S F Quan. The AASM Manual for the Scoring of Sleep and         Associated Events. Westchester, Ill.: American Academy of Sleep         Medicine; 2007).     -   Decrease the number of arousals or wakenings, preferably         obtained from a PSG as defined by the American Academy of Sleep         Medicine     -   Improve the sleep quality, preferably obtained from one or more         of (i) the Sleep and Symptom Daily Diary, (ii) Visual Analog         Scale (VAS) for sleep quality and sleep diary, and (iii) VAS for         the refreshing nature of sleep     -   Decrease the Hypnagogic Hallucinations (HH) or sleep paralysis         (SP) symptoms in NT1 narcolepsy patients, preferably as measured         by the Sleep and Symptom Daily Diary

In a preferred embodiment, the treatment of the present invention is superior, as measured by any one or combination of the foregoing criteria, to an equal dose administered twice nightly of an immediate release liquid solution of sodium oxybate, with the second dose administered 4 hours after the first dose.

The invention further provides a method of treatment of narcolepsy Type 1 or Type 2 wherein, compared to a dosing regimen consisting of administering half the dose at to and another half of the dose at t_(4h) of an immediate release liquid solution of sodium oxybate, a single bedtime daily dose administration of a therapeutically effective amount of the formulation of the invention has been shown to produce less confusion, less depressive syndrome, less incontinence, less nausea or less sleepwalking.

Additional Embodiments

In one additional embodiment, the invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, preferably comprising immediate release and modified release portions, wherein the formulation releases (a) at least 80% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at 1 hour when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, and (b) from 10% to 65%, of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at one hour and three hours when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm.

In a second additional embodiment, the invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, comprising immediate release and modified release portions, wherein (a) the formulation releases at least 80% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at 1 hour when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, (b) the formulation releases from 10% to 65% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at one hour and three hours when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, and (c) the modified release portion releases greater than 80% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at 3 hours in a dissolution test started in 750 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid for 2 hours then switched to 950 mL 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer adjusted to pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm.

In a third additional embodiment, the invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, comprising immediate release and modified release portions, wherein (a) the formulation releases at least 80% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at 1 hour when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, (b) the formulation releases 10% to 65%, of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at one hour and at three hours when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, (c) the formulation releases greater than 60% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at 10 hours when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, and (d) the modified release portion releases greater than 80% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at 3 hours in a dissolution test started in 750 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid for 2 hours then switched to 950 mL 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer adjusted to pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm.

In a fourth additional embodiment, the invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, preferably comprising immediate release and modified release portions, wherein the formulation releases (a) at least 80% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at 3 hours when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, and (b) from 40% to 65%, of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at one hour and three hours when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm.

In a fifth additional embodiment, the invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, comprising immediate release and modified release portions, wherein (a) the formulation releases at least 80% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at 3 hour3 when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, (b) the formulation releases from 40% to 65% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at one hour and three hours when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, and (c) the modified release portion releases greater than 80% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at 3 hours in a dissolution test started in 750 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid for 2 hours then switched to 950 mL 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer adjusted to pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm.

In a sixth additional embodiment, the invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, comprising immediate release and modified release portions, wherein (a) the formulation releases at least 80% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at 3 hours when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, (b) the formulation releases 40% to 65%, of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at one hour and at three hours when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, (c) the formulation releases greater than 60% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at 10 hours when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, and (d) the modified release portion releases greater than 80% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at 3 hours in a dissolution test started in 750 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid for 2 hours then switched to 950 mL 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer adjusted to pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm.

In a seventh additional embodiment, the invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, preferably comprising immediate release and modified release portions, wherein the formulation releases (a) at least 80% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at 1 hour when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, and (b) from 40% to 65%, of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at one hour and three hours when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm.

In a eighth additional embodiment, the invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, comprising immediate release and modified release portions, wherein (a) the formulation releases at least 80% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at 1 hour when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, (b) the formulation releases from 40% to 65% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at one hour and three hours when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, and (c) the modified release portion releases greater than 80% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at 3 hours in a dissolution test started in 750 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid for 2 hours then switched to 950 mL 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer adjusted to pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm.

In a ninth additional embodiment, the invention provides a modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, comprising immediate release and modified release portions, wherein (a) the formulation releases at least 80% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at 1 hour when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, (b) the formulation releases 40 to 65%, of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at one hour and at three hours when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, (c) the formulation releases greater than 60% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at 10 hours when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, and (d) the modified release portion releases greater than 80% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at 3 hours in a dissolution test started in 750 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid for 2 hours then switched to 950 mL 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer adjusted to pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm.

EXAMPLES Example 1. Formulations

Tables 1a-1d provide the qualitative and quantitative compositions of sodium oxybate IR microparticles, MR microparticles, and mixtures of IR and MR microparticles. The physical structure of the microparticles showing the qualitative and quantitative composition of the IR and MR microparticles is depicted in FIG. 1.

Briefly, sodium oxybate immediate release (IR) microparticles were prepared as follows: 1615.0 g of sodium oxybate and 85.0 g of polyvinylpyrrolidone (Povidone K30—Plasdone™ K29/32 from ISP) were solubilized in 1894.3 g of absolute ethyl alcohol and 1262.9 g of water. The solution was entirely sprayed onto 300 g of microcrystalline cellulose spheres (Cellets™ 127) in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus. IR Microparticles with volume mean diameter of about 270 microns were obtained.

Sodium oxybate modified release (MR) microparticles were prepared as follows: 22.8 g of methacrylic acid copolymer Type C (Eudragit™ L100-55), 45.8 g of methacrylic acid copolymer Type B (Eudragit™ S 100), 102.9 g of hydrogenated cottonseed oil (Lubritab™), were dissolved in 1542.9 g of isopropanol at 78° C. The solution was sprayed entirely onto 400.0 g of the sodium oxybate IR microparticles described above in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus with an inlet temperature of 48° C., spraying rate around 11 g per min and atomization pressure of 1.3 bar. MR microparticles were dried for two hours with inlet temperature set to 56° C. MR microparticles with mean volume diameter of about 320 microns were obtained.

The finished composition, which contains a 50:50 mixture of MR and IR microparticles calculated on their sodium oxybate content, was prepared as follows: 353.36 g of the above IR microparticles, 504.80 g of the above MR microparticles, 14.27 g of malic acid (D/L malic acid), 6.34 g of xanthan gum (Xantural™ 75 from Kelco), 9.51 g of carrageenan gum (Viscarin™ PH209 from FMC Biopolymer), 9.51 g of hydroxyethylcellulose (Natrosol™ 250M from Ashland) and 4.51 g of magnesium stearate were mixed. Individual samples of 7.11 g (corresponding to a 4.5 g dose of sodium oxybate with half of the dose as immediate-release fraction and half of the dose as modified release fraction) were weighed.

TABLE 1a Composition of IR Microparticles Component Function Quantity per 2.25 g dose (g) Sodium oxybate Drug substance 2.25 Microcrystalline Core 0.418 cellulose spheres Povidone K30 Binder and excipient 0.118 in diffusion coating Ethyl alcohol Solvent Eliminated during processing Purified water Solvent Eliminated during processing Total 2.786

TABLE 1b Composition of MR Microparticles Quantity per Component Function 4.5 g dose (g) IR Microparticles Core of MR 2.786 microparticles Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil Coating excipient 0.716 Methacrylic acid Copolymer Coating excipient 0.159 Type C Methacrylic acid Copolymer Coating excipient 0.318 Type B Isopropyl alcohol Solvent Eliminated during processing Total 3.981

TABLE 1c Qualitative Finished Composition Quantity per Component Function 4.5 g dose (g) MR microparticles Modified release fraction 3.981 of sodium oxybate IR microparticles Immediate release fraction 2.786 of sodium oxybate Malic acid Acidifying agent 0.113 Xanthan gum Suspending agent 0.050 Hydroxyethylcellulose Suspending agent 0.075 Carrageenan gum Suspending agent 0.075 Magnesium stearate Lubricant 0.036 Total 7.116

TABLE 1d Quantitative finished composition Quantity per Component Function 4.5 g dose (g) Sodium oxybate Drug substance 4.5 Microcrystalline cellulose spheres Core 0.836 Povidone K30 Binder 0.237 Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil Coating excipient 0.716 Methacrylic acid Copolymer Type C Coating excipient 0.159 Methacrylic acid Copolymer Type B Coating excipient 0.318 Malic acid Acidifying agent 0.113 Xanthan gum Suspending agent 0.050 Hydroxyethylcellulose Suspending agent 0.075 Carrageenan gum Suspending agent 0.075 Magnesium stearate Lubricant 0.036 Total 7.116

Example 1bis: Alternative Formulation

An alternative formulation to the formulation described in example 1 is described in Example 1bis.

Sodium oxybate immediate release (IR) microparticles were prepared by coating the IR microparticles described in example 1 with a top coat layer. Microparticles were prepared as follows: 170.0 of hydroxypropyl cellulose (Klucel™ EF Pharm from Hercules) were solubilized in 4080.0 g of acetone. The solution was entirely sprayed onto 1530.0 g of the IR microparticles of Example 1 in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus. IR Microparticles with volume mean diameter of about 298 microns were obtained (see Table 1bis-a).

Sodium oxybate modified release (MR) microparticles were prepared as described in example 1 (see Table 1b).

The finished composition, which contains a 50:50 mixture of MR and IR microparticles based on their sodium oxybate content, was prepared as follows: 412.22 g of the above IR microparticles, 530.00 g of the above MR microparticles, 29.96 g of malic acid (D/L malic acid), 4.96 g of xanthan gum (Xantural™ 75 from Kelco), 4.96 g of colloidal silicon dioxide (Aerosil™ 200 from Degussa) and 9.92 g of magnesium stearate were mixed. Individual samples of 7.45 g (corresponding to a 4.5 g dose of sodium oxybate with half of the dose in an immediate-release fraction and half of the dose in a modified release fraction) were weighed (see Table 1bis-b and ibis-c).

TABLE 1bis-a Composition of IR Microparticles Quantity per Component Function 2.25 g dose (g) Sodium oxybate Drug substance 2.25  Microcrystalline cellulose Core 0.418 spheres Povidone K30 Binder and excipient in 0.118 diffusion coating Hydroxypropyl cellulose Top coat 0.310 Ethyl alcohol Solvent Eliminated during processing Purified water Solvent Eliminated during processing Acetone Solvent Eliminated during processing Total 3.096

TABLE 1bis-b Qualitative Finished Composition Quantity per Component Function 4.5 g dose (g) MR microparticles Modified release fraction of 3.981 sodium oxybate IR microparticles Immediate release fraction of 3.096 sodium oxybate Malic acid Acidifying agent 0.225 Xanthan gum Suspending agent 0.037 Colloidal silicon dioxide Gliding agent 0.037 Magnesium stearate Lubricant 0.075 Total 7.451

TABLE 1bis-c Quantitative finished composition Quantity per Component Function 4.5 g dose (g) Sodium oxybate Drug substance 4.5 Microcrystalline cellulose spheres Core 0.836 Povidone K30 Binder 0.237 Hydroxypropyl cellulose Top coat 0.310 Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil Coating excipient 0.716 Methacrylic acid Copolymer Type C Coating excipient 0.159 Methacrylic acid Copolymer Type B Coating excipient 0.318 Malic acid Acidifying agent 0.225 Xanthan gum Suspending agent 0.037 Colloidal silicon dioxide Gliding agent 0.037 Magnesium stearate Lubricant 0.075 Total 7.451

Compared to the finished composition described in example 1, this alternative composition has the following characteristics: same MR microparticles, same IR microparticles but with a top coat, increased amount of malic acid, only one suspending agent (xanthan gum) and presence of a glidant.

Finished compositions from Example 1 and 1bis exhibit substantially the same in-vitro dissolution profiles (see FIGS. 7 and 8).

Example 2: In Vitro Release Profiles of IR, MR and Finished Compositions of Formulations of Examples 1 and 1bis Dissolution Testing of IR Microparticles

The dissolution profile of 2786 mg of IR microparticles of Example 1, corresponding to 2250 mg of sodium oxybate per vessel, was determined in 0.1N HCl dissolution medium using a USP apparatus 2. Dissolution medium temperature was maintained at 37.0±0.5° C., and the rotating paddle speed was set at 100 rpm. The release profile of the IR microparticles is shown in FIG. 2 and Table 2a. All the sodium oxybate was released at 1 hour.

TABLE 2a Percent Sodium Oxybate Released in 0.1N HCl for IR microparticles of sodium oxybate prepared according to Example 1 Time (min) % released 0 0 5 94 10 97 15 97 30 98 60 98 Dissolution Testing of IR Microparticles from Example 1bis

The dissolution profile of 3096 mg of IR microparticles of Example 1bis, corresponding to 2250 mg of sodium oxybate per vessel, was determined in 0.1N HCl dissolution medium using a USP apparatus 2. Dissolution medium temperature was maintained at 37.0±0.5° C., and the rotating paddle speed was set at 100 rpm. The release profile of the IR microparticles is shown in FIG. 2 and Table 2b. All the sodium oxybate was released at 1 hour.

TABLE 2b Percent Sodium Oxybate Released in 0.1N HCl for IR microparticles of sodium oxybate prepared according Example 1bis Time (min) % Released 0 0 5 91 10 99 15 100 30 101 60 100 Dissolution Testing of MR Microparticles from Example 1—Protocol (2 h 0.1N HCl/Phosphate Buffer pH 6.8)

49.1 g of MR microparticles from Example 1 were mixed with 0.5 g of magnesium stearate (from Peter Graven) and 0.25 g of colloidal silicon dioxide (Aerosil™ 200 from Evonik). The dissolution profile of 4040 mg of the mixture which corresponds to 2250 mg of sodium oxybate per vessel was determined using the USP apparatus 2. Dissolution medium temperature was maintained at 37.0±0.5° C., and the rotating paddle speed was set at 75 rpm.

After 2 hours in 750 mL of 0.1N HCl medium, 6.5 g of monobasic potassium phosphate was added to the dissolution vessel. pH and volume were then respectively adjusted to 6.8 and 950 mL, as needed by the addition of NaOH and water. The potassium phosphate concentration was equal to 0.05 M in the dissolution medium after pH and volume adjustment.

The release profile of the MR microparticles is shown in FIG. 3 and Table 2c. The sodium oxybate was not released in the 0.1N HCl dissolution medium during two hours. After the switch to pH 6.8 dissolution medium, all the sodium oxybate was released within 30 minutes.

TABLE 2c Percent Sodium Oxybate Released in two sequential dissolution media (0.1 HCl for 2 hours, then phosphate buffer pH 6.8) for MR microparticles of sodium oxybate prepared according to Example 1 Time (h) % released 0 0 1 1 2 2 2.25 33 2.5 97 3 103 4 104 6 103

FIG. 4 overlays the dissolution profile of the MR microparticles of Example 1 with the dissolution profile for MR microparticles reported in Supernus U.S. Pat. No. 8,193,211, FIG. 3. It shows that the dissolution profiles are different and that the MR microparticles according to the present invention release greater than 80% of their sodium oxybate at 3 hours, whereas the MR microparticles described in Supernus U.S. Pat. No. 8,193,211, FIG. 3 do not and exhibit a much slower release profile.

Dissolution Testing of Finished Composition According to Example 1 in Deionized Water

The dissolution profile of the quantity equivalent to 4.5 g sodium oxybate of the finished composition according Example 1 was determined in 900 mL of deionized water using the USP apparatus 2. The dissolution medium was maintained at 37.0±0.5° C. and the rotating paddle speed was fixed at 50 rpm. The release profile is shown in FIG. 5 and Table 2d. The IR fraction of sodium oxybate was solubilized in 15 minutes. The release of sodium oxybate from the modified-release fraction started after approximately 4 hours with 90% of the total dose released at 6 hours.

TABLE 2d Percent Sodium Oxybate Released in deionized water for finished composition of sodium oxybate prepared according to Example 1 Time (h) % released 0 0 0.25 53 1 52 2 54 3 55 4 58 5 69 6 92 7 96 8 97

An overlay of the release profile of the finished formulation of Example 1 versus that reported in USP 2012/0076865 FIG. 2 is shown in FIG. 6. It shows that the dissolution profiles are different. The formulation described in USP 2012/0076865 FIG. 2 does not exhibit a lag phase after the dissolution of the immediate release part.

Release Testing of Different Batches of MR Microparticles and Finished Dosage Forms

In vitro release profiles obtained in 900 mL of 0.1N HCl dissolution medium for different batches of modified release (MR) microparticles prepared according to Example 1 are described below in Table 2e. The dissolution profile of 4040 mg of microparticles corresponding to 2250 mg of sodium oxybate per vessel is determined using the USP apparatus 2. Dissolution medium temperature was maintained at 37.0±0.5° C., and the rotating paddle speed was set at 100 rpm.

TABLE 2e Percent Sodium Oxybate Released in 0.1N HCl Dissolution Medium from different manufacturing lots of MR Particles of Example 1 Time Lot 1 Lot 2 Lot 3 Lot 4 Lot 5 Lot 6 Lot 7 Lot 8 0.25 2.22 0.62 0.42 0.86 0.56 1.03 0.69 0.26 1.0 2.59 1.14 1.23 1.48 0.96 2.15 1.43 0.97 2.00 3.07 1.71 2.09 1.94 1.36 3.16 2.17 1.39 3 3.55 2.31 2.75 2.29 1.76 4.08 2.82 1.80 4.0 4.23 3.03 3.53 2.75 2.18 4.92 3.50 2.31 6 7.99 7.68 8.69 5.33 3.78 7.52 5.70 8.10 8.0 37.44 33.84 33.84 26.20 17.00 21.59 21.02 37.27 10 77.09 69.85 65.51 61.77 49.89 50.98 53.48 67.64 12 91.26 85.72 84.25 83.55 77.65 75.68 78.00 82.66 16 96.15 90.48 95.35 97.34 96.94 95.19 96.17 90.35

In vitro release profiles obtained in 0.1N HCl for three batches of finished composition comprising IR (50% w/w sodium oxybate dose) and MR microparticles (50% w/w sodium oxybate dose), prepared as described in Example 1, are provided in Table 2f. The sodium oxybate dose per vessel was 4.5 g, 6 g and 7.5 g respectively and dissolution was determined in 900 mL of 0.1N HCl dissolution medium using the USP apparatus 2. The dissolution medium was maintained at 37.0±0.5° C. and the rotating paddle speed was fixed at 100 rpm. Single dose units were poured in a container containing 50 mL of tap water. After 5 minutes, the suspension was poured in the dissolution vessel containing 840 mL of 0.1N HCl dissolution medium. 10 mL of water were used to rinse the container and were added to the dissolution vessel.

TABLE 2f Percent Sodium Oxybate Released in 0.1N HCl Dissolution Medium for three batches of finished composition prepared according to Example 1 Time (hour) Batch 1 Batch 2 Batch 3 0.5 50 49 50 1 50 50 50 3 50 50 50 6 52 52 53 8 61 64 63 12 90 93 97 16 96 94 95

FIG. 7 and Table 2 g depict dissolution profiles determined using a USP apparatus 2 in a 900 mL in 0.1N HCl dissolution medium of four finished compositions, two prepared according to Example 1 and two prepared according to Example 1bis. The dissolution medium was maintained at 37.0±0.5° C. and the rotating paddle speed was fixed at 100 rpm. It shows that the composition according to the invention releases from 10 to 65% of its sodium oxybate at 1 and 3 hours and releases greater than 60% at 10 hours.

TABLE 2g Percent Sodium Oxybate Released in 0.1N HCl Dissolution Medium for four batches of finished compositions, two prepared according to Example 1 and two prepared according to Example 1bis Time (hour) Example 1bis Example 1bis Example 1 Example 1 0  0  0  0  0 0.25 Nd Nd 52 50 0.5 51 50 Nd Nd 1 51 50 54 51 3 51 50 54 52 6 55 52 55 53 8 72 61 60 57 10 Nd Nd 73 70 12 86 90 85 83 16 88 96 96 94 20 Nd Nd 99 98 Nd: not determined

FIG. 8 and Table 2h depict dissolution profiles determined using a USP apparatus 2 in a 900 mL phosphate buffer pH 6.8 dissolution medium for four finished compositions prepared according to Example 1 or 1bis. The dissolution medium was maintained at 37.0±0.5° C. and the rotating paddle speed was fixed at 100 rpm. It shows that the composition according to the invention releases more than 80% of its sodium oxybate at 3 hours.

TABLE 2h Percent Sodium Oxybate Released in phosphate buffer pH 6.8 Dissolution Medium for four batches of finished compositions, two prepared according to Example 1 and two prepared according to Example 1bis Time (hour) Example 1bis Example 1bis Example 1 Example 1 0  0 0  0  0 0.25 Nd Nd  75  84 0.5  99 98 Nd Nd 1 101 101 100 102 1.5 101 101 106 108 2 100 100 Nd Nd 3 103 100 Nd Nd 4 103 100 Nd Nd 6 102 99 101 102 8 103 99 101 105 10 103 99 101 Nd 12 101 99 101 102 16 Nd Nd 100 101 20 Nd Nd  99  98 Nd: not determined

Release Testing of MR Microparticles and Finished Compositions Effect of Paddle Speed:

FIG. 9 and Table 2i depict dissolution profiles in 0.1N HCl of a batch of MR microparticles prepared according to Example 1. The dissolution profile of 4040 mg of microparticles corresponding to 2250 mg of sodium oxybate per vessel was determined using the USP apparatus 2. The dissolution medium temperature was maintained at 37.0±0.5° C., and the rotating paddle speed was set at 75 or 100 rpm.

TABLE 2i Percent Sodium Oxybate Released in 0.1N HCl Dissolution Medium for MR microparticles prepared according to Example 1 Time (hour) 75 rpm 100 rpm 0 0 0 0.25 1 1 1 2 1 2 2 2 3 3 2 4 3 3 6 6 5 8 28 26 10 65 62 12 86 84 16 97 97

FIG. 10 and Table 2j depict dissolution profiles in 0.1N HCl of a finished composition prepared according to Example 1. The dose per vessel was 4.5 g and dissolution was determined in 900 mL of dissolution medium using the USP apparatus 2. The dissolution medium temperature was maintained at 37.0±0.5° C. and the rotating paddle speed was set at 75 or 100 rpm.

Single dose units were poured in a container containing 50 mL of tap water. After 5 minutes, the suspension was poured in the dissolution vessel containing 840 mL of 0.1N HCl medium. 10 mL of water were used to rinse the container and were added to the dissolution vessel.

TABLE 2j Percent Sodium Oxybate Released in 0.1N HCl Dissolution Medium for finished composition prepared according to Example 1 Time (hour) 75 rpm 100 rpm 0 0 0 0.25 48 47 1 53 52 3 54 53 6 56 56 8 65 65 10 82 79 12 92 89 16 97 96 20 98 98

Example 3. In Vivo Pharmacokinetic Study of Finished Composition According to Example 1bis

Pharmacokinetic testing was undertaken in vivo in healthy human volunteers according to the principles described in FDA's March 2003 Guidance for Industry on BIOAVAILABILITY AND BIOEQUIVALENCE STUDIES FOR ORALLY ADMINISTERED DRUG PRODUCTS—GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS. All testing was performed in subjects two hours after eating a standardized dinner. Xyrem® doses were administered in two equipotent doses four hours apart. All other tested doses were manufactured as described in Example 1bis. The standardized dinner consisted of 25.5% fat, 19.6% protein, and 54.9% carbohydrates.

The finished composition of Example 1bis given as a 4.5 g once-nightly dose rather than a standard Xyrem® dosing twice (2×2.25 g) nightly 4 hours apart, produced a dramatically different pharmacokinetic profile than Xyrem® as shown in FIG. 11. As summarized below (Tables 3a and 3b), 4.5 g nighttime doses of finished composition of the invention equivalent to twice-nightly doses of Xyrem® (2×2.25 g) provided somewhat less total exposure to sodium oxybate with a later median T_(max) than the initial Xyrem® dose. The relative bioavailability was about 88%. Composition according to the invention avoids the high second-dose peak concentration of Xyrem® and therefore does not exhibit the substantial between-dose fluctuations in concentration, while achieving a comparable mean C_(8h).

TABLE 3a Pharmacokinetic Parameters of finished composition of Example 1bis vs. Xyrem ® Mean Cmax Mean Median Tmax (μg/mL) AUCinf (hour) (min- (% CV) (h*μg/mL) max) Finished composition 44.35 (38) 188.88 (44) 1.5 (0.5-4) of Example 1bis 4.5 g Xyrem ® 2 × 2.25 g 1st dose: 214.32 (48) 1st dose: 33.41 (41) 1.00 (0.5-2) 2nd dose: 2nd dose: 65.91 (40) 4.50 (4.33-6.5)

TABLE 3b Mean plasma concentration of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (microgram/mL) versus time of finished composition of Example 1bis and Xyrem ® Finished composition Finished composition Finished composition Example 1bis 4.5 g Example 1bis 6.0 g Example 1bis 7.5 g Xyrem ® (2 h after meal) pooled (2 h after meal) pooled (2 h after meal) (2 × 2.25 g) Time (hour) mean (N = 26) mean (N = 19) (N = 11) part I (N = 15) 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.5 29.31 36.44 43.19 27.44 1 34.93 49.97 63.32 28.97 1.5 36.63 54.66 73.40 26.12 2 36.78 54.82 67.96 21.11 2.5 33.35 53.05 66.59 NA 3 30.28 50.25 62.13 13.93 3.5 27.30 47.22 59.45 10.25 4 23.66 43.06 57.40 6.92 4.5 19.89 39.13 50.85 57.33 5 16.55 34.28 45.09 52.27 5.5 13.62 32.11 44.94 43.55 6 12.40 25.84 42.36 35.20 6.5 11.25 22.36 41.02 27.44 7 11.27 18.07 40.76 19.36 7.5 9.65 15.41 35.83 13.88 8 6.86 12.80 30.94 9.24 10 1.08 2.38 7.99 2.64 12 NC 0.52 1.47 NC NC: Not Calculated

The pharmacokinetic profile of a single 6 g dose of finished composition produced according to Example 1bis was also tested and found to have a similar pharmacokinetic profile as the 4.5 g dose. FIG. 12 provides a pharmacokinetic profile comparison of a single 4.5 g or 6 g dose of finished composition according to Example 1bis in the same 7 subjects. The pharmacokinetic profile for a 7.5 g dose of finished formulation produced according to Example ibis was also obtained. FIG. 13 and Table 3c provide data on a single 4.5 g, 6 g and 7.5 g dose, showing effects on T_(max), C_(max), C_(8h), AUC_(8h) and AUC_(inf) related to dose strength. The 7.5 g dose achieved a mean C_(8h) equal to about 31 microgram/mL which represents approximately 128.5% of the C_(8h) obtained for Xyrem® dosed 2×3.75 g which was extrapolated to be approximately 24.07 microgram/mL from published data. The 7.5 g dose achieved a ratio of AUC_(8h) to AUC_(inf) of about 0.89, whereas the ratio was 0.83 and 0.93 for the 4.5 g and 6 g doses respectively.

TABLE 3c Pharmacokinetic Parameters of 4.5 g, 6 g, and 7.5 g of finished composition produced according to Example 1bis Finished composition Mean C_(max) Mean AUC_(inf) Mean AUC_(8 h) Mean C_(8 h) according to (μg/mL) (h*μg/mL) (h*μg/mL) Median T_(max) (μg/mL) Example 1bis (% CV) (% CV) (% CV) (h) (min-max) (% CV) 4.5 g 44.35 (38) 188.88 (47) 174.68 (48) 1.5 (0.5-4)  6.86 (84)   6 g 65.46 (35) 307.34 (48) 290.97 (47)  3 (0.5-5.5) 12.8 (82) 7.5 g 88.21 (30) 454.99 (34) 404.88 (31) 2 (0.5-6) 30.94 (34) 

FIG. 14 and table 3d compare the pharmacokinetic parameters AUC_(inf) and C_(8h) obtained for 7.5 g of a finished composition according to Example 1bis to the same parameters calculated for 2×4.5 g, i.e. 9 g total dose of Xyrem®. The data show that a 7.5 g dose of a formulation according to the invention given once nightly exhibits a similar PK profile to 9 g of Xyrem® given in two separate equal doses.

TABLE 3d Pharmacokinetic Parameters of 7.5 g of finished composition produced according to Example 1bis compared to 2 × 4.5 g of Xyrem ® Ratio (%) AUC_(inf) Ratio (%) C_(8 h) Mean C_(8 h) Mean AUC_(inf) composition to composition to (μg/mL) (μg/mL*h) AUC_(inf) Xyrem ® C_(8 h) Xyrem ® Xyrem ® 2 × 4.5 g 28.9 518 NA NA Finished composition 30.9 455 88% 107% according to Example 1bis 7.5 g

Example 4. Alternative Formulation

Tables 4a-4d provide the qualitative and quantitative compositions of IR microparticles, MR microparticles, and mixtures of IR and MR microparticles. The physical structure of the microparticles showing the qualitative and quantitative composition of the IR and MR microparticles is depicted in FIG. 15.

Briefly, sodium oxybate immediate release (IR) microparticle were prepared as follows: 1615.0 g of Sodium Oxybate and 85.0 g of polyvinylpyrrolidone (Povidone K30—Plasdone™ K29/32 from ISP) were solubilized in 1894.3 g of absolute ethyl alcohol and 1262.9 g of water. The solution was entirely sprayed onto 300 g of microcrystalline cellulose spheres (Cellets™ 127) in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus. IR microparticles with volume mean diameter of about 270 microns were obtained.

Sodium oxybate modified release (MR) microparticles were prepared as follows: 4.0 g of Methacrylic acid copolymer Type C (Eudragit™ L100-55), 49.3 g of Methacrylic acid copolymer Type B (Eudragit™ S100), 80 g of Hydrogenated cottonseed oil (Lubritab™), were dissolved in 1200.0 g of isopropanol at 78° C. The solution was sprayed entirely on 400.0 g of IR microparticles prepared above in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus with an inlet temperature 48° C., spraying rate around 11 g per min and atomization pressure 1.3 bar. MR microparticles were dried for two hours with inlet temperature set to 56° C. MR microparticles with volume mean diameter of about 330 microns were obtained.

The finished composition, which contained a 50:50 mixture of MR and IR microparticles calculated on their sodium oxybate content, was prepared as follows: 27.86 g of IR microparticles, 37.15 g of MR microparticles, 1.13 g of malic acid (D/L malic acid), 0.50 g of xanthan gum (Xantural™ 75 from Kelco), 0.75 g of carrageenan gum (Viscarin™ PH209 from FMC Biopolymer), 0.75 g of hydroxyethylcellulose (Natrosol™ 250M from Ashland) and 0.34 g of magnesium stearate were mixed. Individual samples of 6.85 g (corresponding to a 4.5 g sodium oxybate dose with half of the dose as immediate-release fraction and half of the dose as modified release fraction) were weighed.

TABLE 4a Composition of IR Microparticles Quantity per Component Function 2.25 g dose (g) Sodium oxybate Drug substance 2.25  Microcrystalline cellulose Core 0.418 spheres Povidone K30 Binder and excipient in 0.118 diffusion coating Ethyl alcohol Solvent Eliminated during processing Purified water Solvent Eliminated during processing Total 2.786

TABLE 4b Composition of MR Microparticles Quantity per Component Function 2.25 g dose (g) IR Microparticles Core of MR 2.786 Microparticles Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil Coating excipient 0.557 Methacrylic acid Copolymer Coating excipient 0.028 Type C Methacrylic acid Copolymer Coating excipient 0.344 Type B Isopropyl alcohol Solvent Eliminated during processing Total 3.715

TABLE 4c Qualitative Finished Composition Quantity per Component Function 4.5 g dose (g) MR microparticles Modified release fraction 3.715 of sodium oxybate IR microparticles Immediate release fraction 2.786 of sodium oxybate Malic acid Acidifying agent 0.113 Xanthan gum Suspending agent 0.050 Hydroxyethylcellulose Suspending agent 0.075 Carrageenan gum Suspending agent 0.075 Magnesium stearate Lubricant 0.034 Total 6.848

TABLE 4d Quantitative finished composition Quantity per Component Function 4.5 g dose (g) Sodium oxybate Drug substance 4.5 Microcrystalline cellulose Core 0.836 spheres Povidone K30 Binder 0.237 Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil Coating excipient 0.557 Methacrylic acid Copolymer Coating excipient 0.028 Type C Methacrylic acid Copolymer Coating excipient 0.344 Type B Malic acid Acidifying agent 0.113 Xanthan gum Suspending agent 0.050 Hydroxyethylcellulose Suspending agent 0.075 Carrageenan gum Suspending agent 0.075 Magnesium stearate Lubricant 0.034 Total 6.848

Example 4bis

An alternative formulation to example 4 is described in example 4bis. Sodium oxybate immediate release (IR) microparticles were prepared by coating the IR microparticles described in example 4 with a top coat layer. IR Microparticles were prepared as follows: 170.0 of hydroxypropyl cellulose (Klucel™ EF Pharm from Hercules) were solubilized in 4080.0 g of acetone. The solution was entirely sprayed onto 1530.0 g of the IR microparticles of Example 4 in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus. IR Microparticles with volume mean diameter of about 298 microns were obtained (see Table 4bis-a).

Sodium oxybate modified release (MR) microparticles were prepared as described in example 4 (see Table 4b).

The finished composition, which contains a 50:50 mixture of MR and IR microparticles calculated based on sodium oxybate content, was prepared as follows: 424.99 g of the above IR microparticles, 509.98 g of the above MR microparticles, 30.89 g of malic acid (D/L malic acid), 4.93 g of xanthan gum (Xantural™ 75 from Kelco), 4.93 g of colloidal silicon dioxide (Aerosil™ 200 from Degussa) and 9.86 g of magnesium stearate were mixed. Individual samples of 7.18 g (corresponding to a 4.5 g dose of sodium oxybate with half of the dose as an immediate-release fraction and half of the dose as a modified release fraction) were weighed. (see Tables 4bis-b and 4bis-c).

TABLE 4bis-a Composition of IR Microparticles Quantity per Component Function 2.25 g dose (g) Sodium oxybate Drug substance 2.25  Microcrystalline cellulose Core 0.418 spheres Povidone K30 Binder and excipient in 0.118 diffusion coating Hydroxypropyl cellulose Top coat 0.310 Ethyl alcohol Solvent Eliminated during processing Purified water Solvent Eliminated during processing Acetone Solvent Eliminated during processing Total 3.096

TABLE 4bis-b Qualitative Finished Composition Quantity per Component Function 4.5 g dose (g) MR microparticles Modified release fraction of 3.715 sodium oxybate IR microparticles Immediate release fraction of 3.096 sodium oxybate Malic acid Acidifying agent 0.225 Xanthan gum Suspending agent 0.036 Colloidal silicon dioxide Gliding agent 0.036 Magnesium stearate Lubricant 0.072 Total 7.180

TABLE 4bis-c Quantitative finished composition Quantity per Component Function 4.5 g dose (g) Sodium oxybate Drug substance 4.5 Microcrystalline cellulose spheres Core 0.836 Povidone K30 Binder 0.237 Hydroxypropyl cellulose Top coat 0.310 Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil Coating excipient 0.557 Methacrylic acid Copolymer Type C Coating excipient 0.028 Methacrylic acid Copolymer Type B Coating excipient 0.344 Malic acid Acidifying agent 0.225 Xanthan gum Suspending agent 0.036 Colloidal silicon dioxide Gliding agent 0.036 Magnesium stearate Lubricant 0.072 Total 7.180

Compared to the finished composition described in example 4, this alternative composition has the following characteristics: same MR microparticles, same IR microparticles but with a top coat, increased amount of malic acid, only one suspending agent (xanthan gum) and presence of a glidant.

Example 5 In Vitro Release Profiles of IR, MR and Finished Compositions of Formulation of Example 4 and 4bis

Dissolution Testing of MR Microparticles from Example 4—Protocol (2 h 0.1N HCl/Phosphate Buffer pH 6.8)

49.1 g of MR microparticles from Example 4 were mixed with 0.5 g of magnesium stearate (from Peter Greven) and 0.25 g of colloidal silicon dioxide (Aerosil™ 200 from Evonik).

The dissolution profile of 3770 mg of the mixture which correspond to 2250 mg of sodium oxybate per vessel was determined using the USP apparatus 2. Dissolution medium temperature was maintained at 37.0±0.5° C., and the rotating paddle speed was set at 75 rpm.

After 2 hours in 750 mL of 0.1N HCl dissolution medium, 6.5 g of monobasic potassium phosphate was added in the dissolution vessel. pH and volume were then respectively adjusted to 6.8 and 950 mL. The potassium phosphate concentration was equal to 0.05 M in the dissolution medium after pH and volume adjustment. The release profile is shown in FIG. 16 and Table 5a.

TABLE 5a Percent Sodium Oxybate Released in two sequential dissolution media (0.1N HCl for two hours, then phosphate buffer pH 6.8) for MR microparticles of sodium oxybate prepared according to Example 4 % sodium Time (h) oxybate dissolved 0 0 1 1 2 2 2.25 9 2.5 40 3 89 4 102 6 103

The sodium oxybate was not released in the 0.1N HCl medium during two hours. After the switch at pH 6.8, 40% of the API was released after 30 minutes and 90% of API after 1 hour. FIG. 17 overlays the dissolution profile of the MR microparticles of Example 4 with the dissolution profile for MR microparticles reported in Supernus U.S. Pat. No. 8,193,211, FIG. 3. It shows that the dissolution profiles are different and especially that the MR microparticles according to the invention release greater than 80% of its sodium oxybate at 3 hours, whereas the MR microparticles described in Supernus U.S. Pat. No. 8,193,211, FIG. 3 do not and exhibit a much slower releasing profile.

Dissolution Testing of Finished Composition According to Example 4 in Deionized Water:

The dissolution profile of the quantity equivalent to 4.5 g of sodium oxybate of the finished composition of the Example 4 was determined in 900 mL of deionized water using the USP apparatus 2. The dissolution medium was maintained at 37.0±0.5° C. and the rotating paddle speed was set at 50 rpm. The release profile of is shown in FIG. 18 and Table 5b.

TABLE 5b Percent Sodium Oxybate Released in deionized water for finished composition of sodium oxybate prepared according to Example 4 Time (hour) Example 4 0 0 0.25 52 1 55 2 53 3 54 4 52 5 54 6 60 7 78 8 90

The IR fraction of sodium oxybate was solubilized in 15 minutes. The release of sodium oxybate from the modified release fraction started after 5 hours with 90% of the total dose released at 8 hours.

An overlay of the release profile of the finished composition of the Example 4 versus that reported in USP 2012/0076865 FIG. 2 is shown in FIG. 19. It shows that the dissolution profiles are different. The formulation described in USP 2012/0076865 FIG. 2 does not exhibit a lag phase after the dissolution of the immediate release part.

FIG. 20 and Table 5c depict dissolution profiles determined using a USP apparatus 2 in a 900 mL in 0.1N HCl dissolution medium of three finished compositions prepared according to Example 4bis. The dissolution medium was maintained at 37.0±0.5° C. and the rotating paddle speed was fixed at 100 rpm. It shows that the composition according to the invention releases from 10 to 65% of its sodium oxybate at 1 and 3 hours and releases greater than 60% at 10 hours.

TABLE 5c Percent Sodium Oxybate Released in 0.1N HCl Dissolution Medium for three batches of finished composition prepared according to Example 4bis Time (Hour) Batch 1 Batch 2 Batch 3 0 0  0  0 0.25 50 Nd Nd 0.5 51 50 49 0.75 51 Nd Nd 1 51 51 51 1.5 51 Nd Nd 2 51 Nd Nd 3 51 52 53 4 51 Nd Nd 6 55 57 57 8 74 70 71 10 89 Nd Nd 12 93 90 92 16 94 95 97 Nd = not determined

FIG. 21 and Table 5d depict dissolution profile determined using a USP apparatus 2 in a 900 mL phosphate buffer pH 6.8 dissolution medium for a finished composition prepared according to Example 4bis. The dissolution medium was maintained at 37.0±0.5° C. and the rotating paddle speed was set at 100 rpm. It shows that the composition according to the invention releases more than 80% of its sodium oxybate at 3 hours.

TABLE 5d Percent Sodium Oxybate Released in phosphate buffer pH 6.8 Dissolution Medium for finished composition prepared according to Example 4bis Time (Hour) Example 4bis 0 0 0.25 54 0.5 54 0.75 55 1.0 56 1.5 63 2 77 3 103 4 105 6 105 8 102 10 101 12 104 16 100

Example 6. In Vivo Pharmacokinetic Study of Finished Composition According to Example 4bis

Pharmacokinetic testing was undertaken in vivo in healthy human volunteers according to the principles described in FDA's March 2003 Guidance for Industry on BIOAVALABILITY AND BIOEQUIVALENCE STUDIES FOR ORALLY ADMINISTERED DRUG PRODUCTS—GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS. All testing was performed in subjects two hours after eating a standardized dinner. Xyrem® doses were administered in two equipotent doses four hours apart. All other tested doses were manufactured as described in Example 4bis. The standardized dinner consisted of 25.5% fat, 19.6% protein, and 54.9% carbohydrates.

The finished composition of Example 4bis given as a 4.5 g once-nightly dose rather than a standard Xyrem® dosing twice (2×2.25 g) nightly 4 hours apart, produced a dramatically different pharmacokinetic profile than Xyrem® as shown in FIG. 22. As summarized below (Tables 6a and 6b), 4.5 g nighttime doses of finished composition of the invention equivalent to twice-nightly doses of Xyrem® (2×2.25 g) provided somewhat less total exposure to sodium oxybate with a later median T_(max) than the initial Xyrem® dose. The relative bioavailability was about 88%. Composition according to the invention avoids the high second-dose peak concentration of Xyrem® and therefore does not exhibit the substantial between-dose fluctuations in concentration, while achieving a comparable mean C_(8h).

TABLE 6a Pharmacokinetic Parameters of finished composition of Example 4bis vs. Xyrem ® Mean C_(max) Mean AUC_(inf) Mean AUC_(8 h) Median T_(max) Mean C_(8 h) (μg/mL) (h*μg/mL) (h*μg/mL) (hour) (μg/mL) (% CV) (% CV) (% CV) (min-max) (% CV) Finished 43.47 (49) 188.96 (57) 179.69 (57) 2 (0.5-7) 6.85 (118) composition of Example 4bis 4.5 g Xyrem ® 2 × 2.25 g 1^(st) dose: 33.41 (41) 214.32 (48) 202.78 (46) 1^(st) dose: 1.0 (0.5-2) 9.24 (127) 2^(nd) dose: 65.91 (40) 2^(nd) dose: 4.5 (4.33-6.5)

TABLE 6b Mean plasma concentration of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (microgram/mL) versus time of finished composition of Example 4bis and Xyrem ® Finished composition Example 4bis 4.5 g Xyrem ® (2 h after meal) (2 × 2.25 g) Time (hour) (N = 15) (N = 15) 0 0.00 0.00 0.5 23.80 27.44 1 33.26 28.97 1.5 35.60 26.12 2 35.57 21.11 2.5 33.81 13.93 3 30.96 10.25 3.5 28.73 6.92 4 26.06 42.32 4.5 23.27 57.33 5 18.68 52.27 5.5 16.67 43.55 6 15.55 35.20 6.5 13.07 27.44 7 11.75 19.36 7.5 9.20 13.88 8 6.85 9.24 10 1.94 2.64 12 NC NC NC: Not Calculated

The 4.5 g dose achieved a mean C_(8h) equal to about 6.85 microgram/mL which represents approximately 74.1% of the C_(8h) obtained for Xyrem® dosed 2×2.25 g. The ratio of AUC_(8h) to AUC_(inf) was about 0.89.

Example 7. In Vitro and In Vivo Pharmacokinetic Study of a Comparative Formulation

A formulation having an in vitro dissolution profile comparable to the formulation reported in FIG. 3 of U.S. Pat. No. 8,193,211 was prepared to confirm the in vitro/in vivo correlations reported herein. Tables 7a-7c provide the qualitative and quantitative compositions of the MR microparticles, and mixtures of IR and MR microparticles. The physical structure of the microparticles showing the qualitative and quantitative composition of the IR and MR microparticles is depicted in FIG. 23.

Briefly, sodium oxybate immediate release (IR) microparticles were prepared according to Example 1bis. Sodium oxybate modified release (MR) microparticles were prepared in two steps:

Step 1: 106.7 g of water insoluble polymer Ethylcellulose (Ethocel™ 20 Premium), 10.7 g of polyvinylpyrrolidone (Plasdone™ K30 from ISP), 10.7 g of castor oil (from Olvea) and 5.3 g of Polyoxyl 40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil (Kolliphor RH40 from BASF), were dissolved in a mixture of 828.0 g of acetone, 552.0 g of isopropanol and 153.3 g of water. The solution was sprayed entirely on 400.0 g of immediate release microparticles of sodium oxybate prepared above in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus Glatt G.P.C.G.1.1 with inlet temperature 57° C., spraying rate around 14.5 g per min and atomization pressure 2.5 bar. Microparticles with volume mean diameter of about 310 microns were obtained.

Step 2: 15.0 g of Methacrylic acid copolymer Type C (Eudragit™ L100-55 from Evonik), 30.0 g of Methacrylic acid copolymer Type B (Eudragit™ S100 from Evonik), 67.5 g of Hydrogenated cottonseed oil (Lubritab™), were dissolved in 1012.5 g of isopropanol at 78° C. The solution was sprayed entirely on 450.0 g of the above prepared microparticles in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus with an inlet temperature 47° C., spraying rate around 10.5 g per min and atomization pressure 1.3 bar. MR microparticles were dried for two hours with inlet temperature set to 56° C. MR Microparticles with volume mean diameter of 335 microns were obtained.

The finished composition, which contains a 60:40 mixture of MR and IR microparticles calculated based on their sodium oxybate content, was prepared as follows: 326.69 g of the above IR microparticles, 735.04 g of the above MR microparticles, 23.74 g of malic acid (D/L malic acid), 5.54 g of xanthan gum (Xantural™ 75 from Kelco), 5.54 g of colloidal silicon dioxide (Aerosil™ 200 from Degussa) and 11.08 g of magnesium stearate were mixed. Individual samples of 8.40 g (corresponding to a 4.5 g dose of sodium oxybate with 40% of the dose as immediate-release fraction and 60% of the dose as modified release fraction) were weighed.

TABLE 7a Composition of MR Microparticles Quantity per Component Function 2.25 g dose (g) IR Microparticles Core of MR 2.786 Microparticles Ethylcellulose 20 Coating excipient 0.743 Povidone K30 Coating excipient 0.074 Polyoxyl 40 Hydrogenated Coating excipient 0.037 Castor Oil Castor oil Coating excipient 0.074 Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil Coating excipient 0.557 Methacrylic acid Copolymer Coating excipient 0.124 Type C Methacrylic acid Copolymer Coating excipient 0.248 Type B Ethyl alcohol Solvent Eliminated during processing Acetone Solvent Eliminated during processing Water Solvent Eliminated during processing Isopropyl alcohol Solvent Eliminated during processing Total 4.644

TABLE 7b Qualitative Composition of Finished Composition Quantity per Component Function 4.5 g dose (g) MR microparticles Modified release fraction 5.573 of sodium oxybate IR microparticles Immediate release fraction 2.477 of sodium oxybate Malic acid Acidifying agent 0.180 Xanthan gum Suspending agent 0.042 Colloidal silicon dioxide Gliding agent 0.042 Magnesium stearate Lubricant 0.084 Total 8.398

TABLE 7c Quantitative Composition of Finished Composition Quantity per Component Function 4.5 g dose (g) Sodium oxybate Drug substance 4.5 Microcrystalline cellulose Core 0.836 spheres Povidone K30 der and coating excipient 0.326 Hydroxypropyl cellulose Top coat 0.248 Ethylcellulose 20 Coating excipient 0.892 Polyoxyl 40 Hydrogenated Coating excipient 0.045 Castor Oil Castor oil Coating excipient 0.089 Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil Coating excipient 0.669 Methacrylic acid Copolymer Coating excipient 0.149 Type C Methacrylic acid Copolymer Coating excipient 0.297 Type B Malic acid Acidifying agent 0.180 Xanthan gum Suspending agent 0.042 Colloidal silicon dioxide Gliding agent 0.042 Magnesium stearate Lubricant 0.084 Total 8.398

The dissolution profile obtained for the MR microparticles in two sequential dissolution media (0.1N HCl for 2 hours then phosphate buffer pH 6.8) is shown in FIG. 24 and Table 7d. These data show that the dissolution profile of the MR microparticles produced according the comparative Example 7 was quite similar to the dissolution profile of FIG. 3 from U.S. Pat. No. 8,193,211. In particular, the MR microparticles according to the comparative Example 7 do not release more than 80% of its sodium oxybate at 3 hours.

TABLE 7d Dissolution profile obtained for the MR microparticles of Example 7 in two sequential dissolution media (0.1N HCl for 2 hours then phosphate buffer pH 6.8) Time (hour) Example 7 0 0 1 0 2 1 2.25 5 2.5 44 3 74 64 89 6 96

The finished composition of Comparative Example 7 was tested in the same pharmacokinetic study than the finished composition of Example 1 and 4. As summarized below (Tables 7e), 4.5 g nighttime dose of finished composition of the comparative Example 7 compared to twice-nightly doses of Xyrem® (2×2.25 g) provided much less total exposure to sodium oxybate with a relative bioavailability of 67%.

TABLE 7e Pharmacokinetic Parameters of finished composition of Comparative Example 7 vs. Xyrem ® Mean C_(max) Mean AUC_(inf) Median Mean C_(8h) (μg/mL) (h * μg/mL) T_(max) (hour) (μg/mL) (% CV) (% CV) (min-max) (% CV) Finished 28.99 (45) 143.90 (53) 1.5 (0.5-8) 7.79 (82)  composition of Comparative Example 7 4.5 g Xyrem ® 1st dose: 214.32 (48) 1st dose: 9.24 (127) 2 × 2.25 g 33.41 (41) 1.0 (0.5-2) 2nd dose: 2nd dose: 65.91 (40) 4.5 (4.33-6.5)

TABLE 7f Mean plasma concentration (microgram/mL) of gamma- hydroxybutyrate versus time of finished composition of Comparative Example 7 and Xyrem ® Comparative Comparative Example Example Comparative 7 @ 4.5 g 7 @ 6.0 g Example Xyrem ® (2 h after meal) (2 h after meal) 7 @ 7.5 g (2 × 2.25 g) Time pooled mean pooled mean (2 h after part I (hour) (N = 27) (N = 18) meal) (N = 12) (N = 15) 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.5 18.84 25.54 31.40 27.44 1 23.93 35.80 46.78 28.97 1.5 24.31 38.59 58.29 26.12 2 24.32 40.78 57.47 21.11 2.5 23.10 38.03 52.25 13.93 3 20.05 35.76 49.00 10.25 3.5 17.47 33.99 45.66 6.92 4 16.48 30.47 40.52 0.00 4.5 15.44 26.87 37.70 57.33 5 14.10 25.59 36.82 52.27 5.5 12.60 24.63 35.93 43.55 6 11.68 23.90 34.47 35.20 6.5 11.45 23.98 31.60 27.44 7 10.64 20.94 31.89 19.36 7.5 9.35 17.93 29.69 13.88 8 7.79 14.36 25.80 9.24 10 1.98 3.71 11.00 2.64 12 0.59 0.78 3.63 NC NC: not calculated

The pharmacokinetic profiles of single 6 g and 7.5 g doses of the finished composition produced according to comparative Example 7 were also generated. Table 7 g provides data on a single 4.5 g, 6 g and 7.5 g dose, showing effects on C_(max), C_(8h), AUC_(8h) and AUC_(inf) related to dose strength.

TABLE 7g Pharmacokinetic Parameters of 4.5 g, 6 g, and 7.5 g of finished composition produced according Comparative Example 7 Finished Mean Mean Median T_(max) composition Mean C_(max) AUCinf AUC_(8 h) (min-max) Mean C_(8 h) Comparative of (μg/mL) (h * μg/mL) (h * μg/mL) (h) (μg/mL) Example 7 (% CV) (% CV) (% CV) (% CV) (% CV) 4.5 g 28.98 (45) 143.90 (53) 128.83 (55) 1.5 (0.5-8)  7.79 (82)   6 g 45.64 (35) 248.24 (47) 225.00 (47)    2 (0.5-6.5) 14.36 (77) 7.5 g 63.31 (33) 379.83 (54) 316.18 (48) 1.75 (1-4.5)  25.80 (74)

Example 8. Alternative Formulations Example 8.1

Modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate comprising immediate release microparticles of potassium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid and modified release microparticles of sodium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (sodium oxybate).

Immediate release (IR) microparticles of potassium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid can be prepared as follows: 1615.0 g of potassium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid and 85.0 g of polyvinylpyrrolidone (Povidone K30—Plasdone™ K29/32 from ISP) are solubilized in 1894.3 g of absolute ethyl alcohol and 1262.9 g of water. The solution is entirely sprayed onto 300 g of microcrystalline cellulose spheres (Cellets™ 127) in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus.

Immediate release (IR) microparticles of sodium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid were prepared as follows: 1615.0 g of sodium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid and 85.0 g of polyvinylpyrrolidone (Povidone K30—Plasdone K29/32 from ISP) were solubilized in 1894.3 g of absolute ethyl alcohol and 1262.9 g of water. The solution was entirely sprayed onto 300 g of microcrystalline cellulose spheres (Cellets™ 127 from Pharmatrans Sanaq) in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus.

Sodium oxybate modified release (MR) microparticles are prepared as follows: 22.8 g of methacrylic acid copolymer Type C (Eudragit L100-55), 45.8 g of methacrylic acid copolymer Type B (Eudragit™ S 100), 102.9 g of hydrogenated cottonseed oil (Lubritab™), are dissolved in 1542.9 g of isopropanol at 78° C. The solution is sprayed entirely onto 400.0 g of the sodium oxybate IR microparticles described above in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus with an inlet temperature of 48° C., spraying rate around 11 g per min and atomization pressure of 1.3 bar. MR microparticles are dried for two hours with inlet temperature set to 56° C. MR microparticles with mean volume diameter of about 320 microns were obtained.

The finished formulation, which contains a 50:50 mixture of MR and IR microparticles calculated on their gamma-hydroxybutyrate content, can be prepared as follows: 398.51 g of the above IR microparticles, 504.80 g of the above MR microparticles, 16.09 g of D/L malic acid, 6.34 g of xanthan gum (Xantural™ 75 from Kelco), 9.51 g of carrageenan gum (Viscarin™ PH209 from FMC Biopolymer), 9.51 g of hydroxyethylcellulose (Natrosol™ 250M from Ashland) and 4.75 g of magnesium stearate were mixed. Individual samples of 7.49 g of the mixture (amount equivalent to a 4.5 g dose of sodium oxybate with half of the dose as immediate-release fraction and half of the dose as modified release fraction) were weighed.

TABLE 8a Composition of IR Microparticles of gamma-hydroxybutyrate of example 8.1 Quantity per 2.25 g Component Function dose (g) Potassium salt of hydroxybutyric acid Drug substance 2.537 Microcrystalline cellulose spheres Core 0.471 Povidone K30 Binder and excipient 0.134 in diffusion coating Ethyl alcohol Solvent Eliminated during processing Purified water Solvent Eliminated during processing Total 3.142

TABLE 8b Composition of MR Microparticles of gamma-hydroxybutyrate of example 8.1 Quantity per 2.25 g Component Function dose (g) Sodium oxybate Drug substance 2.25  Povidone K30 Binder 0.118 Microcrystalline cellulose spheres Core 0.419 Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil Coating excipient 0.717 Methacrylic acid Copolymer Coating excipient 0.159 Type C Methacrylic acid Copolymer Coating excipient 0.318 Type B Ethyl alcohol Solvent Eliminated during processing Acetone Solvent Eliminated during processing Water Solvent Eliminated during processing Isopropyl alcohol Solvent Eliminated during processing Total 3.981

TABLE 8c Qualitative Composition of Finished Formulation of Example 8.1 Quantity per Component Function 4.5 g dose (g) MR microparticles Modified release fraction of 3.981 sodium oxybate IR microparticles Immediate release fraction 3.142 of potassium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid Malic acid Acidifying agent 0.127 Xanthan gum Suspending agent 0.050 Hydroxyethylcellulose Suspending agent 0.075 Carrageenan gum Suspending agent 0.075 Magnesium stearate Lubricant 0.037 Total 7.487

TABLE 8d Quantitative Composition of Finished Formulation of Example 8.1 Quantity per Component Function 4.5 g dose (g) Sodium oxybate Drug substance 2.25 Potassium salt of gamma- Drug substance 2.537 hydroxybutyric acid Microcrystalline cellulose spheres Core 0.890 Povidone K30 Binder 0.252 Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil Coating excipient 0.717 Methacrylic acid Copolymer Type C Coating excipient 0.159 Methacrylic acid Copolymer Type B Coating excipient 0.318 Malic acid Acidifying agent 0.127 Xanthan gum Suspending agent 0.050 Hydroxyethylcellulose Suspending agent 0.075 Carrageenan gum Suspending agent 0.075 Magnesium stearate Lubricant 0.037 Total 7.487

Example 8.2

Modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate comprising immediate release microparticles of potassium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, immediate release microparticles of magnesium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, immediate release microparticles of calcium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid and modified release microparticles of sodium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (sodium oxybate).

Immediate release (IR) microparticles of potassium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid are prepared according to example 8.1.

Immediate release (IR) microparticles of magnesium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid or calcium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid can be prepared using the same manufacturing process by replacing the potassium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid by the same weight of respectively magnesium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid or calcium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid.

Sodium oxybate modified release (MR) microparticles are prepared according to example 8.1.

The finished formulation, which contains a 50:50 mixture of MR and IR microparticles calculated on their gamma-hydroxybutyrate content, can be prepared as follows: 132.84 g of the IR microparticles of potassium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, 215.32 g of the IR microparticles of magnesium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, 230.05 g of the IR microparticles of calcium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, 504.80 g of the MR microparticles of sodium oxybate, 23.35 g of D/L malic acid, 6.34 g of xanthan gum (Xantural™ 75 from Kelco), 9.51 g of carrageenan gum (Viscarin™ PH209 from FMC Biopolymer), 9.51 g of hydroxyethylcellulose (Natrosol™ 250M from Ashland) and 5.69 g of magnesium stearate were mixed. Individual samples of 8.96 g of the mixture (amount equivalent to a 4.5 g dose of sodium oxybate with half of the dose as immediate-release fraction and half of the dose as modified release fraction) were weighed.

TABLE 8e Qualitative Composition of Finished Formulation of Example 8.2 Quantity per 4.5 g Component Function dose (g) MR microparticles Modified release fraction of 3.981 sodium oxybate IR microparticles Immediate release fraction of 4.559 potassium salt of gamma- hydroxybutyric acid + immediate release fraction of magnesium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid + immediate release fraction of calcium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid Malic acid Acidifying agent 0.184 Xanthan gum Suspending agent 0.050 Hydroxyethylcellulose Suspending agent 0.075 Carrageenan gum Suspending agent 0.075 Magnesium stearate Lubricant 0.045 Total 8.97

TABLE 8f Quantitative Composition of Finished Formulation of Example 8.2 Quantity per Component Function 4.5 g dose (g) Sodium oxybate Drug substance 2.25 Potassium salt of gamma- Drug substance 0.84 hydroxybutyric acid Magnesium salt of gamma- Drug substance 1.37 hydroxybutyric acid Calcium salt of gamma- Drug substance 1.46 hydroxybutyric acid Microcrystalline cellulose spheres Core 1.102 Povidone K30 Binder 0.312 Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil Coating excipient 0.717 Methacrylic acid Copolymer Type C Coating excipient 0.159 Methacrylic acid Copolymer Type B Coating excipient 0.318 Malic acid Acidifying agent 0.184 Xanthan gum Suspending agent 0.050 Hydroxyethylcellulose Suspending agent 0.075 Carrageenan gum Suspending agent 0.075 Magnesium stearate Lubricant 0.045 Total 8.96

Example 8.3: Modified Release Formulation of Gamma-Hydroxybutyrate Comprising Immediate Release Microparticles of Potassium Salt of Gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid and Modified Release Microparticles of Calcium Salt of Gamma-Hydroxybutyric Acid

Immediate release (IR) microparticles of potassium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid are prepared according to example 8.1.

Immediate release (IR) microparticles of calcium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid can be prepared using the manufacturing process described in example 8.1 for immediate release (IR) microparticles of potassium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid by replacing the potassium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid by the same weight of calcium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid. These Immediate release (IR) microparticles of calcium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid are used to manufacture modified release (MR) microparticles of calcium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid as follows: 22.8 g of methacrylic acid copolymer Type C (Eudragit™ L100-55), 45.8 g of methacrylic acid copolymer Type B (Eudragit™ S100), 102.9 g of hydrogenated cottonseed oil (Lubritab™), are dissolved in 1542.9 g of isopropanol at 78° C. The solution is sprayed entirely onto 400.0 g of the immediate release microparticles of calcium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid described above in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus with an inlet temperature of 48° C., spraying rate around 11 g per min and atomization pressure of 1.3 bar. MR microparticles are dried for two hours with inlet temperature set to 56° C.

The finished formulation, which contains a 50:50 mixture of MR and IR microparticles calculated on their gamma-hydroxybutyrate content, can be prepared as follows: 398.53 g of the IR microparticles of potassium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, 492.87 g of the MR microparticles of sodium oxybate, 16.10 g of D/L malic acid, 6.34 g of xanthan gum (Xantural 75 from Kelco), 9.51 g of carrageenan gum (Viscarin™ PH209 from FMC Biopolymer), 9.51 g of hydroxyethylcellulose (Natrosol™ 250M from Ashland) and 4.69 g of magnesium stearate were mixed. Individual samples of 7.39 g of the mixture (amount equivalent to a 4.5 g dose of sodium oxybate with half of the dose as immediate-release fraction and half of the dose as modified release fraction) were weighed.

TABLE 8g Qualitative Composition of Finished Formulation of Example 8.3 Quantity per Component Function 4.5 g dose (g) MR microparticles Modified release fraction 3.887 of calcium salt of gamma- hydroxybutyric acid IR microparticles Immediate release fraction of 3.143 potassium salt of gamma- hydroxybutyric acid Malic acid Acidifying agent 0.127 Xanthan gum Suspending agent 0.050 Hydroxyethylcellulose Suspending agent 0.075 Carrageenan gum Suspending agent 0.075 Magnesium stearate Lubricant 0.037 Total 7.39

TABLE 8h Quantitative Composition of Finished Formulation of Example 8.3 Quantity per Component Function 4.5 g dose (g) 7Potassium salt of gamma- Drug substance 2.54 hydroxybutyric acid Calcium salt of gamma- Drug substance 2.19 hydroxybutyric acid Microcrystalline cellulose spheres Core 0.880 Povidone K30 Binder 0.249 Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil Coating excipient 0.700 Methacrylic acid Copolymer Type C Coating excipient 0.155 Methacrylic acid Copolymer Type B Coating excipient 0.311 Malic acid Acidifying agent 0.127 Xanthan gum Suspending agent 0.050 Hydroxyethylcellulose Suspending agent 0.075 Carrageenan gum Suspending agent 0.075 Magnesium stearate Lubricant 0.037 Total 7.39

Example 9. Alternative Formulations with Differing Concentrations of Acidic Agents

Different prototypes were developed to evaluate the effect of acidic agent on the dissolution stability of the formulation dispersed in water. Experimental data with 0.8%, 1.6% and 15% malic acid are detailed below.

Example 9.1—1.6% Malic Acid

IR particles were prepared as follows: 1615.0 g of Sodium Oxybate and 85.0 g of water soluble polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone (Povidone—Plasdone™ K30 from ISP) were solubilized in 1894.3 g of absolute ethyl alcohol and 1262.9 g of water. The solution was entirely sprayed onto 300 g of microcrystalline cellulose spheres (Cellets™ 127 from Pharmatrans) in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus GPCG1.1. Sodium oxybate IR particles with mean diameter of 268 microns were obtained.

MR coated particles were prepared as follows: 39.9 g of Methacrylic acid copolymer Type C (Eudragit™ L100-55 from Evonik), 80. g of Methacrylic acid copolymer Type B (Eudragit™ S100 from Evonik), 180.0 g of Hydrogenated cottonseed oil (Lubritab™ from JRS), were dissolved in 2700.0 g of isopropanol at 78° C. The solution was sprayed entirely on 700.0 g of IR particles in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus Glatt™ G.P.C.G. 1.1 with inlet temperature 49° C., spraying rate around 11.6 g per min and atomization pressure 1.6 bar. MR microparticles were dried for 2 hours with inlet temperature set to 56° C. Sodium oxybate MR coated particles with mean diameter of 324 microns were obtained.

The finished composition, which contains a 50:50 mixture of MR and IR particles calculated on their sodium oxybate content, was prepared as follows: 655.1 g of the above IR particles, 936.4 g of the above MR particles, 26.5 g of Malic acid (D/L malic acid regular from Bartek), 11.7 g of xanthan gum (Xantural™ 75 from CP Kelco), 17.6 g of carragenan gum (Viscarin™ PH209 from FMC Biopolymer), 17.6 g of hydroxyethylcellulose (Natrosol™ 250M from Ashland) and 8.2 g of magnesium stearate (from Peter Greven) were mixed in a Roue-Roehn mixer. Individual doses of 7.11 g (corresponding to a 4.5 g dose with half of the dose as immediate-release fraction and half of the dose as modified release fraction) were weighed.

FIG. 29 and Table 9a below depict dissolution profiles determined in 0.1N HCl using a USP apparatus 2. The dissolution medium was maintained at 37.0±0.5° C. and the rotating paddle speed was fixed at 75 rpm. Single dose units were poured in a container containing 50 mL of tap water. After 5 and 15 minutes, the suspension was poured in the dissolution vessel containing 840 mL of 0.1N HCl dissolution medium. 10 mL of water were used to rinse the container and were added to the dissolution vessel.

TABLE 9a % dissolved % dissolved Time (h) 5 min reconstitution time 15 min reconstitution time 0 0 0 0.25 47 48 1 53 52 3 53 53 6 55 54 8 59 60 10 74 77 12 87 88 16 96 97 20 97 98

Example 9.2—0.8% Malic Acid

IR particles were prepared as follows: 1615.0 g of Sodium Oxybate and 85.0 g of water soluble polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone (Povidone—Plasdone™ K30 from ISP) were solubilized in 1894.3 g of absolute ethyl alcohol and 1262.9 g of water. The solution was entirely sprayed onto 300 g of microcrystalline cellulose spheres (Cellets™ 127 from Pharmatrans) in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus GPCG1.1. Sodium oxybate IR particles with mean diameter of 273 microns were obtained.

MR coated particles were prepared as follows: 39.9 g of Methacrylic acid copolymer Type C (Eudragit™ L100-55 from Evonik), 80.1 g of Methacrylic acid copolymer Type B (Eudragit™ S100 from Evonik), 180.0 g of Hydrogenated cottonseed oil (Lubritab™ from JRS), were dissolved in 2700.0 g of isopropanol at 78° C. The solution was sprayed entirely on 700.0 g of IR particles in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus Glatt™ G.P.C.G. 1.1 with inlet temperature 47° C., spraying rate around 10.7 g per min and atomization pressure 1.6 bar. MR microparticles were dried for 2 hours with inlet temperature set to 60° C. Sodium oxybate MR coated particles with mean diameter of 309 microns were obtained.

The finished composition, which contains a 50:50 mixture of MR and IR particles calculated on their sodium oxybate content, was prepared as follows: 100.0 g of the above IR particles, 142.9 g of the above MR particles, 2.0 g of Malic acid (D/L malic acid regular from Bartek), 1.2 g of xanthan gum (Xantural™ 75 from CP Kelco), 1.2 g of hydrophilic fumed silica (Aerosil™ 200 from Degussa) and 2.5 g of magnesium stearate (from Peter Greven) were mixed in a Roue-Roehn mixer. Individual doses of 6.93 g (corresponding to a 4.5 g dose with half of the dose as immediate-release fraction and half of the dose as modified release fraction) were weighed.

FIG. 30 and Table 9b below depict dissolution profiles determined in 0.1N HCl using a USP apparatus 2. The dissolution medium was maintained at 37.0±0.5° C. and the rotating paddle speed was fixed at 75 rpm. Single dose units were poured in a container containing 50 mL of tap water. After 5 and 15 minutes, the suspension was poured in the dissolution vessel containing 840 mL of 0.1N HCl dissolution medium. 10 mL of water were used to rinse the container and were added to the dissolution vessel.

TABLE 9b % dissolved % dissolved Time (h) 5 min reconstitution time 15 min reconstitution time 0 0 0 0.25 51 51 1 51 52 3 51 53 6 52 62 8 60 86 10 77 96 12 90 98 16 98 98

Example 9.3—15% Malic Acid

IR particles were prepared as follows: 1615.0 g of Sodium Oxybate and 85.0 g of water soluble polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone (Povidone—Plasdone™ K30 from ISP) were solubilized in 1894.3 g of absolute ethyl alcohol and 1262.9 g of water. The solution was entirely sprayed onto 300 g of microcrystalline cellulose spheres (Cellets™ 127 from Pharmatrans) in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus GPCG1.1. Sodium oxybate IR particles with mean diameter of 255 microns were obtained.

MR coated particles were prepared as follows: 22.8 g of Methacrylic acid copolymer Type C (Eudragit™ L100-55 from Evonik), 45.8 g of Methacrylic acid copolymer Type B (Eudragit™ S100 from Evonik), 102.9 g of Hydrogenated cottonseed oil (Lubritab™ from JRS), were dissolved in 1544.8 g of isopropanol at 78° C. The solution was sprayed entirely on 400.0 g of IR particles in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus Glatt™ G.P.C.G. 1.1 with inlet temperature 49° C., spraying rate around 12.0 g per min and atomization pressure 1.3 bar. MR microparticles were dried for 2 hours with inlet temperature set to 56° C. Sodium oxybate MR coated particles with mean diameter of 298 microns were obtained.

The finished composition, which contains a 50:50 mixture of MR and IR particles calculated on their sodium oxybate content, was prepared as follows: 36.2 g of the above IR particles, 51.8 g of the above MR particles, 16.1 g of Malic acid (D/L malic acid regular from Bartek), 0.7 g of xanthan gum (Xantural™ 75 from CP Kelco), 1.0 g of carragenan gum (Viscarin™ PH209 from FMC Biopolymer), 1.0 g of hydroxyethylcellulose (Natrosol™ 250M from Ashland) and 0.6 g of magnesium stearate (from Peter Greven) were mixed in a Roue-Roehn mixer. Individual doses of 8.25 g (corresponding to a 4.5 g dose with half of the dose as immediate-release fraction and half of the dose as modified release fraction) were weighed.

FIG. 31 and Table 9c below depict dissolution profiles determined in 0.1N HCl using a USP apparatus 2. The dissolution medium was maintained at 37.0±0.5° C. and the rotating paddle speed was fixed at 75 rpm. Single dose units were poured in a container containing 50 mL of tap water. After 5 and 15 minutes, the suspension was poured in the dissolution vessel containing 840 mL of 0.1N HCl dissolution medium. 10 mL of water were used to rinse the container and were added to the dissolution vessel.

TABLE 9c % dissolved % dissolved Time (h) 5 min reconstitution time 15 min reconstitution time 0 0 0 0.25 48 49 1 51 51 3 51 51 4 51 51 6 52 51 8 56 56 10 71 71 12 86 85 16 97 96 20 99 98

Example 10. Alternative Formulations

Suspending agents are present in the formulation to limit microparticles settling after reconstitution. Without suspending agents, microparticles starts settling as soon as shaking stops. In presence of the suspending agents, full microparticles settling does not occur in less than 1 minute. The following data illustrates the good pourability of the suspension assessed by the high recovery of sodium oxybate content in the dissolution test:

IR particles were prepared as follows: 1615.0 g of sodium oxybate and 85.0 g of water soluble polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone (Povidone—Plasdone™ K30 from ISP) were solubilized in 1894.3 g of absolute ethyl alcohol and 1262.9 g of water. The solution was entirely sprayed onto 300 g of microcrystalline cellulose spheres (Cellets™ 127 from Pharmatrans) in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus GPCG1.1. Sodium oxybate IR particles with mean diameter of 271 microns were obtained.

MR coated particles were prepared as follows: 39.9 g of methacrylic acid copolymer type C (Eudragit™ L100-55 from Evonik), 80.1 g of methacrylic acid copolymer type B (Eudragit™ S100 from Evonik), 180.0 g of hydrogenated cottonseed oil (Lubritab™ from JRS), were dissolved in 2700.0 g of isopropanol at 78° C. The solution was sprayed entirely on 700.0 g of sodium oxybate IR particles in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus Glatt™ G.P.C.G. 1.1 with inlet temperature 48° C., spraying rate around 11.5 g per min and atomization pressure 1.6 bar. MR coated particles were dried for 2 hours with inlet temperature set to 56° C. MR particles of sodium oxybate with mean diameter of 321 microns were obtained.

The finished composition, which contains a 50:50 mixture of MR and IR sodium oxybate particles calculated on their sodium oxybate content, was prepared as follows: 634.0 g of the above IR particles, 907.6 g of the above MR particles, 25.7 g of malic acid (D/L malic acid regular from Bartek), 11.4 g of xanthan gum (Xantural™ 75 from CP Kelco), 17.1 g of carragenan gum (Viscarin™ PH209 from FMC Biopolymer), 17.1 g of hydroxyethylcellulose (Natrosol™ 250M from Ashland) and 8.1 g of magnesium stearate (from Peter Greven) were mixed in a Roue-Roehn mixer. Individual doses of 14.20 g (corresponding to a 9 g dose with half of the dose as immediate-release fraction and half of the dose as modified release fraction) were weighed.

FIG. 32 and Table 10a below depict dissolution profiles of 9 g doses determined using a USP apparatus 2 in 0.1N HCl. The dissolution medium was maintained at 37.0±0.5° C. and the rotating paddle speed was fixed at 75 rpm. Single dose units were poured in a container containing 50 mL of tap water. After 5 minutes, the suspension was poured in the dissolution vessel containing 840 mL of 0.1N HCl dissolution medium. 10 mL of water were used to rinse the container and were added to the dissolution vessel. Dissolution profile was determined with and without rinsing step.

TABLE 10a Time (h) with rinsing without rinsing 0 0 0 0.25 47 46 1 51 51 3 53 52 6.0 54 53 8 61 60 10 77 74 12 91 88 16 98 95 20 98 96

Example 11. Alternative Formulations with a Different Ratio of IR and MR Fractions

Different prototypes were prepared and evaluated to determine the effect of IR/MR ratio.

Example 11a—15% IR/85% IR with MR pH*6.5 Microparticles

IR particles were prepared as follows: 1615.0 g of Sodium Oxybate and 85.0 g of water soluble polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone (Povidone—Plasdone™ K30 from ISP) were solubilized in 1896.2 g of absolute ethyl alcohol and 1264.4 g of water. The solution was entirely sprayed onto 300 g of microcrystalline cellulose spheres (Cellets™ 127 from Pharmatrans) in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus GPCG1.1. Sodium oxybate IR particles with mean diameter of 275 microns were obtained.

MR coated particles were prepared as follows: 22.8 g of Methacrylic acid copolymer Type C (Eudragit™ L100-55 from Evonik), 45.8 g of Methacrylic acid copolymer Type B (Eudragit™ S100 from Evonik), 102.9 g of Hydrogenated cottonseed oil (Lubritab™ from JRS), were dissolved in 1543.1 g of isopropanol at 78° C. The solution was sprayed entirely on 400.0 g of IR particles in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus Glatt™ G.P.C.G. 1.1 with inlet temperature 47° C., spraying rate around 10.8 g per min and atomization pressure 1.3 bar. MR microparticles were dried for 2 hours with inlet temperature set to 56° C. Sodium oxybate MR coated particles with mean diameter of 330 microns were obtained.

17.1 g of MR microparticles were mixed with 0.09 g of magnesium stearate (from Peter Greven). The dissolution profile of 4000 mg of the mixture which correspond to 2250 mg of sodium oxybate per vessel was determined in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl and pH 6.8 phosphate buffer (0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate solution—pH adjusted to 6.8 with 5N NaOH) using the USP apparatus 2. Dissolution medium temperature was maintained at 37.0±0.5° C., and the rotating paddle speed was set at 75 rpm. The release profiles are shown in FIG. 33, Table 11a, and Table 11b.

TABLE 11a Dissolution data - 0.1N HCl Time (hour) % dissolved 0 0.0 0.25 1 1 1 3 2 4 3 6 6 8 24 10 59 12 83 16 95 20 97

TABLE 11b Dissolution data - 50 mM phosphate buffer pH 6.8 Time (hour) % dissolved 0 0 0.25 18 0.5 80 0.75 97 1 97 2 97

The qualitative composition of 4.5 g dose units comprising 15% of the dose as IR fraction and 85% of the dose as MR fraction is described in Table 11c.

TABLE 11c Quantity per Component Function 4.5 g dose (g) MR microparticles Modified release fraction 6.767 of sodium oxybate IR microparticles Immediate release 0.836 fraction of sodium oxybate Malic acid Acidifying agent 0.034 Xanthan gum Suspending agent 0.050 Hydroxyethylcellulose Suspending agent 0.075 Carrageenan gum Suspending agent 0.075 Magnesium stearate Lubricant 0.039 Total 7.876

The finished composition, which contains a 85:15 mixture of MR and IR particles calculated on their sodium oxybate content, can be prepared as follows: 100.0 g of the above IR particles, 809.5 g of the above MR particles, 4.0 g of malic acid (D/L malic acid regular from Bartek), 6.0 g of xanthan gum (Xantural™ 75 from CP Kelco), 9.0 g of carragenan gum (Viscarin™ PH209 from FMC Biopolymer), 9.0 g of hydroxyethylcellulose (Natrosol™ 250M from Ashland) and 4.7 g of magnesium stearate (from Peter Greven) were mixed in a Roue-Roehn mixer. Individual doses of 7.88 g (corresponding to a 4.5 g dose with 15% of the dose as immediate-release fraction and 85% of the dose as modified release fraction) were weighed.

After reconstitution with 50 ml of tap water and a rinsing volume of 10 ml of tap water, the finished composition will display the dissolution profiles in FIGS. 34 and 35 and Tables 11d and Ile in 840 ml of 0.1N HCl and in pH6.8 phosphate buffer (0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate solution—pH adjusted to 6.8 with 5N NaOH) using a USP apparatus 2, at 37.0±0.5° C. and the rotating paddle speed at 75 rpm.

TABLE 11d Time (hour) % dissolved 0 0.0 0.25 16 1 16 3 17 4 17 6 20 8 35 10 65 12 85 16 96

TABLE 11e Time (hour) % dissolved 0 0 0.25 30 0.5 83 0.75 97 1 98 2 98

Example 11b—30% IR/70% MR with MR pH*6.2 Microparticles

IR particles were prepared as follows: 1615.1 g of sodium oxybate and 85.0 g of water soluble polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone (Povidone—Plasdone™ K30 from ISP) were solubilized in 1903.2 g of absolute ethyl alcohol and 1267.1 g of water. The solution was entirely sprayed onto 300 g of microcrystalline cellulose spheres (Cellets™ 127 from Pharmatrans) in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus GPCG1.1. Sodium oxybate IR particles with mean diameter of 268 microns were obtained.

MR coated particles were prepared as follows: 36.6 g of Methacrylic acid copolymer Type C (Eudragit™ L100-55 from Evonik), 32.1 g of methacrylic acid copolymer type B (Eudragit™ S100 from Evonik), 103.0 g of hydrogenated cottonseed oil (Lubritab™ from JRS), were dissolved in 1543.5 g of isopropanol at 78° C. The solution was sprayed entirely on 400.0 g of IR particles in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus Glatt™ G.P.C.G. 1.1 with inlet temperature 48° C., spraying rate around 12.0 g per min and atomization pressure 1.3 bar. MR particles were dried for 2 hours with inlet temperature set to 56° C. Sodium oxybate MR coated particles with mean diameter of 323 microns were obtained.

17.0 g of sodium oxybate MR particles were mixed with 0.09 g of magnesium stearate (from Peter Greven). The dissolution profile of 4050 mg of the mixture which correspond to 2280 mg of sodium oxybate per vessel was determined in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl dissolution medium using the USP apparatus 2. Dissolution medium temperature was maintained at 37.0±0.5° C., and the rotating paddle speed was set at 75 rpm. The release profile in 0.1N HCl is shown in FIG. 36 and Table 11f.

TABLE 11f Time (hour) % dissolved 0.0 0 0.3 1 1.0 3 3.0 4 4.0 4 6.0 8 8.0 40 10.0 81 12.0 95 16.0 100 20.0 99

The finished composition, which contains a 70:30 mixture of MR and IR sodium oxybate particles calculated on their sodium oxybate content, was prepared as follows: 92.1 g of the above IR particles, 306.5 g of the above MR particles, 7.5 g of malic acid (D/L malic acid regular from Bartek), 2.8 g of xanthan gum (Xantural™ 75 from CP Kelco), 4.1 g of carragenan gum (Viscarin™ PH209 from FMC Biopolymer), 4.1 g of hydroxyethylcellulose (Natrosol™ 250M from Ashland) and 2.0 g of magnesium stearate (from Peter Greven) were mixed in a Roue-Roehn mixer. Individual doses of 7.62 g (corresponding to a 4.5 g dose with 30% of the dose as immediate-release fraction and 70% of the dose as modified release fraction) were weighed.

FIGS. 37 and 38 and Tables 11 g and 11h below depict dissolution profiles determined using a USP apparatus 2 in 0.1N HCl and pH 6.8 phosphate buffer (0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate solution—pH adjusted to 6.8 with 5N NaOH). The dissolution medium was maintained at 37.0±0.5° C. and the rotating paddle speed was fixed at 75 rpm. Single dose units were poured in a container containing 50 mL of tap water. After 5 minutes, the suspension was poured in the dissolution vessel containing 840 mL of dissolution medium. 10 mL of water were used to rinse the container and were added to the dissolution vessel.

TABLE 11g Time (hour) % dissolved in 0.1N HCl 0.0 0.0 0.3 29 1.0 31 3.0 32 4.0 32 6.0 35 8.0 70 10.0 94 12.0 99 16.0 99

TABLE 11h Time (h) % dissolved in pH 6.8 phosphate buffer 0 0 0.25 64 0.5 87 1 100 2 100 3 102

Example 11c—65% IR/35% MR with MR pH*6.5 Microparticles

IR particles were prepared as follows: 1615.0 g of sodium oxybate and 85.0 g of water soluble polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone (Povidone—Plasdone™ K30 from ISP) were solubilized in 1894.3 g of absolute ethyl alcohol and 1262.9 g of water. The solution was entirely sprayed onto 300 g of microcrystalline cellulose spheres (Cellets™ 127 from Pharmatrans) in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus GPCG1.1. Sodium oxybate IR particles with mean diameter of 270 microns were obtained.

MR coated particles were prepared as follows: 22.8 g of methacrylic acid copolymer type C (Eudragit™ L100-55 from Evonik), 45.8 g of methacrylic acid copolymer type B (Eudragit™ S100 from Evonik), 102.9 g of hydrogenated cottonseed oil (Lubritab™ from JRS), were dissolved in 1543.1 g of isopropanol at 78° C. The solution was sprayed entirely on 400.0 g of IR particles in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus Glatt™ G.P.C.G. 1.1 with inlet temperature 47° C., spraying rate around 10.8 g per min and atomization pressure 1.3 bar. MR coated particles were dried for 2 hours with inlet temperature set to 56° C. Sodium oxybate MR coated particles with mean diameter of 330 microns were obtained.

Refer to the Example 1 1a for the dissolution profile of the MR microparticles. The qualitative composition of 4.5 g dose units comprising 65% of the dose as IR fraction and 35% of the dose as MR fraction is described in Table 11i.

TABLE 11i Quantity per Component Function 4.5 g dose (g) MR microparticles Modified release fraction 2.786 of sodium oxybate IR microparticles Immediate release 3.622 fraction of sodium oxybate Malic acid Acidifying agent 0.110 Xanthan gum Suspending agent 0.050 Hydroxyethylcellulose Suspending agent 0.075 Carrageenan gum Suspending agent 0.075 Magnesium stearate Lubricant 0.034 Total 6.752

The finished composition, which contains a 85:15 mixture of sodium oxybate MR and IR particles calculated on their sodium oxybate content, can be prepared as follows: 100.0 g of the above IR particles, 76.9 g of the above MR coated particles, 3.0 g of Malic acid (D/L malic acid regular from Bartek), 1.4 g of xanthan gum (Xantural™ 75 from CP Kelco), 2.1 g of carragenan gum (Viscarin™ PH209 from FMC Biopolymer), 2. Ig of hydroxyethylcellulose (Natrosol™ 250M from Ashland) and 0.9 g of magnesium stearate (from Peter Greven) were mixed in a Roue-Roehn mixer. Individual doses of 6.75 g (corresponding to a 4.5 g dose with 65% of the dose as immediate-release fraction and 35% of the dose as modified release fraction) were weighed.

Dissolution profile: After reconstitution with 50 ml tap water and rinsing with 10 ml of tap water, the finished composition will display the dissolution profiles in FIGS. 39 and 40 and Tables 11j and 11k in 840 ml of 0.1N HCl and in pH 6.8 phosphate buffer (0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate solution—pH adjusted to 6.8 with 5N NaOH) using a USP apparatus 2, at 37.0±0.5° C. and the rotating paddle speed at 75 rpm.

TABLE 11j Time (hour) % dissolved in 0.1N HCl 0 0.0 0.25 65 1 65 3 66 4 66 6 67 8 73 10 86 12 94 16 98 20 99

TABLE 11k Time (hour) % dissolved in pH 6.8 phosphate buffer 0 0 0.25 71 0.5 93 0.75 99 1 99 2 99

Example 12. Alternative Formulations with IR Fraction Obtained Using Different Manufacturing Processes

Prototype formulations were developed to test the impact of different manufacturing processes on the dissolution of the formulations.

Example 12a—IR Portion=Raw Sodium Oxybate

IR particles to serve as cores of the MR coated microparticles were prepared as follows: 1615.0 g of sodium oxybate and 85.0 g of water soluble polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone (Povidone—Plasdone™ K30 from ISP) were solubilized in 1894.3 g of absolute ethyl alcohol and 1262.9 g of water. The solution was entirely sprayed onto 300 g of microcrystalline cellulose spheres (Cellets™ 127 from Pharmatrans) in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus GPCG1.1. Sodium oxybate IR particles with mean diameter of 256 microns were obtained.

MR coated particles were prepared as follows: 22.8 g of methacrylic acid copolymer type C (Eudragit™ L100-55 from Evonik), 45.8 g of methacrylic acid copolymer type B (Eudragit™ S100 from Evonik), 102.9 g of hydrogenated cottonseed oil (Lubritab™ from JRS), were dissolved in 1542.9 g of isopropanol at 78° C. The solution was sprayed entirely on 400.0 g of IR particles in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus Glatt™ G.P.C.G. 1.1 with inlet temperature 48° C., spraying rate around 10 g per min and atomization pressure 1.3 bar. MR particles were dried for 2 hours with inlet temperature set to 56° C. Sodium oxybate MR coated particles with mean diameter of 308 microns were obtained.

25.2 g of MR microparticles were mixed with 0.26 g of magnesium stearate (from Peter Greven) and 0.13 g of colloidal silicon dioxide (Aerosil™ 200 from Evonik). The dissolution profile of 4000 mg of the mixture which correspond to 2250 mg of sodium oxybate per vessel was determined in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl dissolution medium using the USP apparatus 2. Dissolution medium temperature was maintained at 37.0±0.5° C., and the rotating paddle speed was set at 75 rpm. The release profile in 0.1N HCl is shown in FIG. 41 and Table 12a.

TABLE 12a Time (hour) % dissolved 0 0 0.25 1 1 1 3 2 4 3 6 14 8 40 10 65 12 78 16 89

The finished composition, which contains a 50:50 mixture of sodium oxybate MR coated particles and raw sodium oxybate as IR fraction calculated on their sodium oxybate content, was prepared as follows: 36 g of raw sodium oxybate, 63.7 g of the above MR coated particles, 1.8 g of malic acid (D/L malic acid regular from Bartek), 1.6 g of xanthan gum (Xantural™ 75 from CP Kelco), 2.4 g of carragenan gum (Viscarin™ PH209 from FMC Biopolymer), 0.047 g of an apple aroma and 0.3 g of hydrophilic fumed silica (Aerosil 200 from Degussa) were mixed in a Roue-Roehn mixer. Individual doses of 6.66 g (corresponding to a 4.5 g dose with half of the dose as raw sodium oxybate as IR fraction and half of the dose as modified release fraction) were weighed.

FIG. 42 and Table 12b below depict dissolution profiles determined using a USP apparatus 2 in 0.1N HCl. The dissolution medium was maintained at 37.0±0.5° C. and the rotating paddle speed was fixed at 75 rpm. Single dose units were poured in a container containing 50 mL of tap water. After 5 minutes, the suspension was poured in the dissolution vessel containing 840 mL of 0.1N HCl dissolution medium. 10 mL of water were used to rinse the container and were added to the dissolution vessel.

TABLE 12b Time (hour) % dissolved 0 0 0.25 50 1 52 4 55 6 57 8 70 10 82 12 87 16 93 Considering that the 0.1N HCl dissolution profile of the MR coated particles is similar to the MR microparticles from examples 1 and 1bis, the dissolution profile in pH 6.8 phosphate buffer of the finished composition is expected to be similar to the profile depicted in FIG. 8, insofar as the MR particles are similar and only the nature of the immediate-release fraction was changed.

Example 12b—IR=Microparticles Obtained by Extrusion-Spheronization

IR particles were prepared as follows: 97 g of sodium oxybate and 3 g of water soluble polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone (Povidone—Plasdone™ K30 from ISP) were mixed with 7.5 g of water. The mixture was extruded through a 400 micron mesh and spheronized at 1500 rpm for 1.5 min in an extruder-spheronizer Fuji-Paudal MG-55. After drying for 4 hours at 45° C. in a ventilated oven, microparticles were sieved between 150 microns and 500 microns.

MR coated particles were prepared as described in Example 14.

The finished composition, which contains a 50:50 mixture of MR and IR sodium oxybate particles calculated on their sodium oxybate content, was prepared as follows: 67.4 g of the above IR particles obtained by extrusion-spheronization, 115.6 g of the above MR coated particles, 3.3 g of malic acid (D/L malic acid regular from Bartek), 0.9 g of xanthan gum (Xantural™ 75 from CP Kelco), 0.9 g of hydrophilic fumed silica (Aerosil 200 from Degussa) and 1.9 g of magnesium stearate (from Peter Greven) were mixed in a Roue-Roehn mixer. Individual doses of 6.54 g (corresponding to a 4.5 g dose with half of the dose as immediate-release fraction and half of the dose as modified release fraction) were weighed.

FIG. 43 and Table 12c below depict dissolution profiles determined using a USP apparatus 2 in 0.1N HCl. The dissolution medium was maintained at 37.0±0.5° C. and the rotating paddle speed was fixed at 75 rpm. Single dose units were poured in a container containing 50 mL of tap water. After 5 minutes, the suspension was poured in the dissolution vessel containing 840 mL of 0.1N HCl dissolution medium. 10 mL of water were used to rinse the container and were added to the dissolution vessel.

TABLE 12c Time (hour) % dissolved in 0.1N HCl 0 0 0.25 51 1 53 4 54 6 54 8 56 10 65 12 79 16 92

Based on the dissolution profile of the MR coated particles in pH 6.8 phosphate buffer, finished compositions are expected to have the dissolution profile in pH 6.8 phosphate buffer given in Table 12d and FIG. 44.

TABLE 12d Time (h) % dissolved in pH 6.8 phosphate buffer 0 0 0.25 55 0.50 97 1 101 1.5 102 2 101 3 101

Example 13. Alternative Formulation without Binder

IR particles were prepared as follows: 1700.0 g of Sodium Oxybate are solubilized in 1899.4 g of absolute ethyl alcohol and 1261.3 g of water. The solution is entirely sprayed onto 300 g of microcrystalline cellulose spheres (Cellets 127 from Pharmatrans) in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus GPCG1.1. Sodium oxybate IR particles with mean diameter of 244 microns are obtained.

MR coated particles were prepared as follows: 17.1 g of methacrylic acid copolymer type C (Eudragit L100-55 from Evonik), 34.3 g of methacrylic acid copolymer type B (Eudragit S100 from Evonik), 77.1 g of hydrogenated cottonseed oil (Lubritab from JRS), are dissolved in 1157.9 g of isopropanol at 78° C. The solution is sprayed entirely on 300.0 g of IR particles prepared above in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus Glatt G.P.C.G. 1.1 with inlet temperature 48° C., spraying rate around 10.7 g per min and atomization pressure 1.3 bar. MR microparticles were dried for 2 hours with inlet temperature set to 56° C. Sodium oxybate MR coated particles with mean diameter of 289 microns are obtained.

25.3 g of MR coated microparticles were mixed with 0.12 g of magnesium stearate (from Peter Greven). The dissolution profile of 4000 mg of the mixture which correspond to 2368 mg of sodium oxybate per vessel was determined in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl and pH 6.8 phosphate buffer (0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate solution with pH adjusted to 6.8 with 5N NaOH) using the USP apparatus 2. Dissolution medium temperature was maintained at 37.0±0.5° C., and the rotating paddle speed was set at 75 rpm. The release profiles are shown below in FIG. 45 and Tables 13a and 13b.

TABLE 13a Dissolution data - 0.1N HCl Time (h) % dissolved 0 0 0.25 0 1 0 3 1 4 3 6 29 8 50 10 69 12 82 16 97 20 102

TABLE 13b Dissolution data - 50 mM pH 6.8 phosphate buffer Time (h) % dissolved 0 0 0.25 5 1 102 3 106 The qualitative composition of 4.5 g dose units comprising 50% of the dose as IR fraction and 50% of the dose as MR fraction is described in Table 13c.

TABLE 13c Quantity per Component Function 4.5 g dose (g) MR microparticles Modified release fraction 3.841 of sodium oxybate IR microparticles Immediate release 2.647 fraction of sodium oxybate Malic acid Acidifying agent 0.113 Xanthan gum Suspending agent 0.050 Hydroxyethylcellulose Suspending agent 0.075 Carrageenan gum Suspending agent 0.075 Magnesium stearate Lubricant 0.034 Total 6.835

After reconstitution with 50 ml of tap water and rinsing with 10 ml of tap water, the finished composition is expected to provide the following dissolution profiles in FIGS. 46 and 47 and Tables 13d and 13e in 840 ml of 0.1N HCl and pH6.8 phosphate buffer (0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate solution with pH adjusted to 6.8 with 5N NaOH) using a USP apparatus 2, at 37.0±0.5° C. and the rotating paddle speed at 75 rpm.

TABLE 13d Time (h) % dissolved in 0.1N HCl 0.0 0 0.3 50 1.0 50 3.0 50 4.0 52 6.0 64 8.0 75 10.0 84 12.0 91 16.0 98 20.0 101

TABLE 13e Time (h) % dissolved in pH 6.8 buffer 0 0 0.25 53 1.0 101 3 103

Example 14. MR Particles with Larger Core Size (160 Microns)

Different prototypes were also developed to evaluate the impact of the core size on the dissolution of the formulation.

IR particles were prepared as follows: 1615.0 g of sodium oxybate and 85.0 g of water soluble polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone (Povidone—Plasdone™ K30 from ISP) were solubilized in 1894.3 g of absolute ethyl alcohol and 1262.9 g of water. The solution was entirely sprayed onto 300 g of microcrystalline cellulose spheres (Cellets™ 100 from Pharmatrans) (D[4,3]=160 microns) in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus GPCG1.1. Sodium oxybate IR particles with mean diameter of 310 microns were obtained.

MR coated particles were prepared as follows: 25.7 g of methacrylic acid copolymer type C (Eudragit™ L100-55 from Evonik), 51.5 g of methacrylic acid copolymer type B (Eudragit™ S100 from Evonik), 115.7 g of hydrogenated cottonseed oil (Lubritab™ from JRS), were dissolved in 1735.7 g of isopropanol at 78° C. The solution was sprayed entirely on 450.0 g of IR particles in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus Glatt™ G.P.C.G. 1.1 with inlet temperature 47° C., spraying rate around 9.6 g per min and atomization pressure 1.6 bar. MR particles were dried for 2 hours with inlet temperature set to 56° C. Sodium oxybate MR coated particles with mean diameter of 370 microns were obtained.

49.3 g of sodium oxybate MR particles were mixed with 0.52 g of magnesium stearate (from Peter Greven) and 0.26 g of colloidal silicon dioxide (Aerosil™ 200 from Evonik). The dissolution profile of 4000 mg of the mixture which correspond to 2250 mg of sodium oxybate per vessel was determined using the USP apparatus 2 in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl medium and pH 6.8 phosphate buffer (0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate solution—pH adjusted to 6.8 with 5N NaOH). Dissolution medium temperature was maintained at 37.0±0.5° C., and the rotating paddle speed was set at 100 rpm. The release profile in 0.1N HCl and pH 6.8 phosphate buffer is shown below in FIG. 48 and Tables 14a and 14b.

TABLE 14a Dissolution data - 0.1N HCl Time (h) % dissolved 0 0 0.25 0 1 1 3 2 6 3 8 7 10 18 12 37 16 75

TABLE 14b Dissolution data - 50 mM pH 6.8 phosphate buffer Time (h) % dissolved 0 0 0.25 9 0.5 95 1 101 3 101 The qualitative composition of 4.5 g dose units comprising 50% of the dose as IR fraction and 50% of the dose as MR fraction is described in Table 14c.

TABLE 14c Quantity per Component Function 4.5 g dose (g) MR microparticles Modified release fraction 2.786 of sodium oxybate IR microparticles Immediate release 3.981 fraction of sodium oxybate Malic acid Acidifying agent 0.113 Xanthan gum Suspending agent 0.050 Hydroxyethylcellulose Suspending agent 0.075 Carrageenan gum Suspending agent 0.075 Magnesium stearate Lubricant 0.037 Total 7.115

After reconstitution with 50 ml of tap water and rinsing with 10 ml of tap water, the finished composition is expected to provide the dissolution profiles in FIGS. 49 and 50 and Table 14d and 14e in 840 ml of 0.1N HCl and in pH6.8 phosphate buffer (0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate solution with pH adjusted to 6.8 with 5N NaOH) using a USP apparatus 2, at 37.0±0.5° C. and the rotating paddle speed at 75 rpm.

TABLE 14d Time (hour) % dissolved in 0.1N HCl 0 0 0.25 50 1 51 4 51 6 52 8 53 10 59 12 69 16 87

TABLE 14e Time (hour) % dissolved in pH 6.8 buffer 0 0 0.25 55 1 101 3 101

Example 15. MR Microparticles with Different Ratios of Lubritab™ and Eudragit™

Different prototypes were developed to evaluate the effect of the ratio between Lubritab™ and Eudragit™ on the formulation.

Example 15a—30% Lubritab™; Cellets™ 127; Coating Level=35%

IR particles were prepared as follows: 1615.0 g of Sodium Oxybate and 85.0 g of water soluble polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone (Povidone—Plasdone™ K30 from ISP) were solubilized in 1894.3 g of absolute ethyl alcohol and 1262.9 g of water. The solution was entirely sprayed onto 300 g of microcrystalline cellulose spheres (Cellets™ 100 from Pharmatrans) in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus GPCG1.1. Sodium oxybate IR particles with mean diameter of 272 microns were obtained.

MR coated particles were prepared as follows: 50.2 g of Methacrylic acid copolymer Type C (Eudragit™ L100-55 from Evonik), 100.6 g of Methacrylic acid copolymer Type B (Eudragit™ S100 from Evonik), 64.6 g of Hydrogenated cottonseed oil (Lubritab™ from JRS), were dissolved in 1943.5 g of isopropanol at 78° C. The solution was sprayed entirely on 400.0 g of IR particles in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus Glatt™ G.P.C.G.1.1 with inlet temperature 48° C., spraying rate around 11.0 g per min and atomization pressure 1.3 bar. MR microparticles were dried for 2 hours with inlet temperature set to 56° C. Sodium oxybate MR coated particles with mean diameter of 403 microns were obtained.

17.9 g of sodium oxybate MR microparticles were mixed with 0.1 g of magnesium stearate (from Peter Greven). The dissolution profile of 4308 mg of the mixture which corresponds to 2250 mg of sodium oxybate per vessel was determined using the USP apparatus 2 in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl medium. Dissolution medium temperature was maintained at 37.0±0.5° C., and the rotating paddle speed was set at 75 rpm. The release profile is shown in FIG. 51 and Table 15a.

TABLE 15a Time (h) % dissolved in 0.1N HCl 0 0 0.25 3 1 5 3 69 4 96 6 101 8 102 10 102

Alternative MR coated particles of sodium oxybate were prepared according to the above manufacturing protocol with the coating level adjusted to 50% instead of 35%. The dissolution profile of the alternative sodium oxybate MR particles was determined using the same protocol as above. The 0.1N HCl dissolution profile is shown in FIG. 52 and Table 15b.

TABLE 15b Time (h) % dissolved 0 0 0.25 1 1 1 3 36 4 67 6 95 8 98 10 98

The finished composition, which contains a 50:50 mixture of MR and IR sodium oxybate particles calculated on their sodium oxybate content, was prepared as follows: 153.3 g of the above IR microparticles, 235.8 g of the above sodium oxybate MR microparticles with a coating level of 30%, 6.2 g of malic acid (D/L malic acid regular from Bartek), 2.7 g of xanthan gum (Xantural™ 75 from CP Kelco), 4.1 g of carragenan gum (Viscarin™ PH109 from FMC Biopolymer), 4.1 g of hydroxyethylcellulose (Natrosol™ 250M from Ashland) and 2.0 g of magnesium stearate (from Peter Greven) were mixed in a Roue-Roehn mixer. Individual doses of 7.42 g (corresponding to a 4.5 g dose with half of the dose as immediate-release fraction and half of the dose as modified release fraction) were weighed.

FIG. 53 and Table 15c below depict dissolution profiles determined using a USP apparatus 2 in 0.1N HCl. The dissolution medium was maintained at 37.0±0.5° C. and the rotating paddle speed was fixed at 75 rpm. Single dose units were poured in a container containing 50 mL of tap water. After 5 minutes, the suspension was poured in the dissolution vessel containing 840 mL of 0.1N HCl dissolution medium. 10 mL of water were used to rinse the container and were added to the dissolution vessel.

TABLE 15c Time (hour) % dissolved 0 0 0.25 45 1 52 2 92 3 94 4 97 6 97 8 97 10 96

Example 15b—Celphere™ CP203 as neutral cores and coating level=35%

IR particles were prepared as follows: 665.0 g of Sodium Oxybate and 35.0 g of water soluble polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone (Povidone—Plasdone™ K30 from ISP) were solubilized in 781.2 g of absolute ethyl alcohol and 521.6 g of water. The solution was entirely sprayed onto 300 g of microcrystalline cellulose spheres (Celphere™ CP203 from Asahi Kasei—mean diameter D[4,3]=250 microns) in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus GPCG1.1. Sodium oxybate IR particles with mean diameter of 398 microns were obtained.

MR coated particles were prepared as follows: 37.6 g of Methacrylic acid copolymer Type C (Eudragit™ L100-55 from Evonik), 75.4 g of Methacrylic acid copolymer Type B (Eudragit™ S100 from Evonik), 48.5 g of Hydrogenated cottonseed oil (Lubritab™ from JRS), were dissolved in 1458.0 g of isopropanol at 78° C. The solution was sprayed entirely on 300.0 g of IR particles in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus Glatt™ G.P.C.G. 1.1 with inlet temperature 48° C., spraying rate around 11.7 g per min and atomization pressure 1.6 bar. MR microparticles were dried for 2 hours with inlet temperature set to 56° C. Sodium oxybate MR coated particles with mean diameter of 491 microns were obtained.

17.0 g of MR microparticles were mixed with 0.08 g of magnesium stearate (from Peter Greven). The dissolution profile of 5210 mg of the mixture which corresponds to 2250 mg of sodium oxybate per vessel was determined using the USP apparatus 2 in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl medium and in pH 6.8 phosphate buffer (0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate solution—pH adjusted to 6.8 with 5N NaOH). Dissolution medium temperature was maintained at 37.0±0.5° C., and the rotating paddle speed was set at 75 rpm. The release profile is shown in FIG. 54 and Tables 15d and 15e.

TABLE 15d Dissolution data - 0.1N HCl Time (hour) % dissolved 0 0 0.25 3 1 3 3 45 4 77 6 96 8 98 10 98

TABLE 15e Dissolution data - 50 mM pH 6.8 phosphate buffer Time (h) % dissolved 0 0 0.25 1 0.5 22 0.75 87 1 98 2 97

The qualitative composition of 4.5 g dose units comprising 50% of the dose as IR fraction and 50% of the dose as MR fraction is described in Table 15f.

TABLE 15f Quantity per Component Function 4.5 g dose (g) MR microparticles Modified release fraction of 5.205 sodium oxybate IR microparticles Immediate release fraction of 3.383 sodium oxybate Malic acid Acidifying agent 0.113 Xanthan gum Suspending agent 0.050 Hydroxyethylcellulo Suspending agent 0.075 Carrageenan gum Suspending agent 0.075 Magnesium stearate Lubricant 0.045 Total 8.946

After reconstitution, the finished composition is expected to exhibit the dissolution profiles in FIGS. 55 and 56 and Tables 15g and 15h in 0.1N HCl and in pH6.8 phosphate buffer (0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate solution with pH adjusted to 6.8 with 5N NaOH) using a USP apparatus 2, at 37.0±0.5° C. and the rotating paddle speed at 75 rpm.

TABLE 15 g % dissolved in 0.1N Time (h) HCl 0 0 0.25 51 1 51 3 73 4 88 6 98 8 99 10 99

TABLE 15h % dissolved in pH 6.8 Time (h) buffer 0 0 0.25 50 0.5 61 0.75 93 1 99 2 99

Example 15c—40% Lubritab™ (Coating Level=40%)

IR pellets were prepared as follows: 1615.0 g of Sodium Oxybate and 85.0 g of water soluble polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone (Povidone—Plasdone™ K30 from ISP) were solubilized in 1903.2 g of absolute ethyl alcohol and 1267. Ig of water. The solution was entirely sprayed onto 300 g of microcrystalline cellulose spheres (Cellets™ 127 from Pharmatrans) in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus GPCG1.1. Sodium oxybate IR particles with mean diameter of 268 microns were obtained.

MR coated particles were prepared as follows: 40.6 g of Methacrylic acid copolymer Type C (Eudragit™ L100-55 from Evonik), 80.1 g of Methacrylic acid copolymer Type B (Eudragit™ S100 from Evonik), 80.5 g of Hydrogenated cottonseed oil (Lubritab™ from JRS), were dissolved in 1799.4 g of isopropanol at 78° C. The solution was sprayed entirely on 300.0 g of IR particles in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus Glatt™ G.P.C.G.1.1 with inlet temperature 48° C., spraying rate around 10.5 g per min and atomization pressure 1.3 bar. MR microparticles were dried for 2 hours with inlet temperature set to 56° C. Sodium oxybate MR coated particles with mean diameter of 348 microns were obtained.

20.0 g of MR coated particles were mixed with 0.1 g of magnesium stearate (from Peter Greven). The dissolution profile of 4700 mg of the mixture which corresponds to 2250 mg of sodium oxybate per vessel was determined using the USP apparatus 2 in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl medium. Dissolution medium temperature was maintained at 37.0±0.5° C., and the rotating paddle speed was set at 75 rpm. The release profile is shown in FIG. 57 and Table 15i.

TABLE 15i Time (h) % dissolved in 0.1N HCl 0 0 0.25 0 1 0 3 1 4 8 6 52 8 84 10 95 12 97 16 98

The finished composition, which contains a 50:50 mixture of MR and IR particles calculated on their sodium oxybate content, was prepared as follows: 156.0 g of the above IR particles, 260.0 g of the above MR coated particles, 6.3 g of malic acid (D/L malic acid regular from Bartek), 2.8 g of xanthan gum (Xantural™ 75 from CP Kelco), 4.2 g of carragenan gum (Viscarin™ PH209 from FMC Biopolymer), 4.2 g of hydroxyethylcellulose (Natrosol™ 250M from Ashland) and 2.2 g of magnesium stearate (from Peter Greven) were mixed in a Roue-Roehn mixer. Individual doses of 7.78 g (corresponding to a 4.5 g dose with half of the dose as immediate-release fraction and half of the dose as modified release fraction) were weighed.

FIGS. 58 and 59 and Tables 15j and 15k below depict dissolution profiles determined in 0.1N HCl and pH 6.8 buffer (0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate solution with pH adjusted to 6.8 with 5N NaOH) using a USP apparatus 2. The dissolution medium was maintained at 37.0±0.5° C. and the rotating paddle speed was fixed at 75 rpm. Single dose units were poured in a container containing 50 mL of tap water. After 5 minutes, the suspension was poured in the dissolution vessel containing 840 mL of 0.1N HCl dissolution medium. 10 mL of water were used to rinse the container and were added to the dissolution vessel.

TABLE 15j Time (h) % dissolved in 0.1N HCl 0 0 0.25 48 1 52 3 52 4 62 6 89 8 96 10 97 12 98 16 98 20 97

TABLE 15k Time (h) % dissolved in pH 6.8 buffer 0 0 0.25 49 0.5 85 1 91 2 96 3 104

Example 15d—70% Lubritab™ (Coating Level 25%)

IR particles were prepared as follows: 1615.1 g of Sodium Oxybate and 85.0 g of water soluble polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone (Povidone—Plasdone™ K30 from ISP) were solubilized in 1894.4 g of absolute ethyl alcohol and 1262.9 g of water. The solution was entirely sprayed onto 300 g of microcrystalline cellulose spheres (Cellets™ 127 from Pharmatrans) in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus GPCG1.1. Sodium oxybate IR particles with mean diameter of 272 microns were obtained.

MR coated particles were prepared as follows: 13.3 g of Methacrylic acid copolymer Type C (Eudragit™ L100-55 from Evonik), 26.8 g of Methacrylic acid copolymer Type B (Eudragit™ S100 from Evonik), 93.3 g of Hydrogenated cottonseed oil (Lubritab™ from JRS), were dissolved in 1200.3 g of isopropanol at 78° C. The solution was sprayed entirely on 400.0 g of IR particles in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus Glatt™ G.P.C.G.1.1 with inlet temperature 48° C., spraying rate around 10.6 g per min and atomization pressure 1.3 bar. MR microparticles were dried for 2 hours with inlet temperature set to 56° C. Sodium oxybate MR coated particles with mean diameter of 313 microns were obtained.

17.0 g of MR coated particles were mixed with 0.06 g of magnesium stearate (from Peter Greven). The dissolution profile of 3750 mg of the mixture which corresponds to 2250 mg of sodium oxybate per vessel was determined using the USP apparatus 2 in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl medium and pH6.8 phosphate buffer (0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate solution—pH adjusted to 6.8 with 5N NaOH). Dissolution medium temperature was maintained at 37.0±0.5° C., and the rotating paddle speed was set at 75 rpm. The release profile is shown in FIG. 60 and Tables 15l and 15m.

TABLE 15l Dissolution profile in 0.1N HCl Time (h) % dissolved 0 0.0 0.25 5 1 4 3 5 4 5 6 8 8 33 10 78 12 98 16 103

15m. Dissolution Profile in 50 mM pH 6.8 Phosphate Buffer

Time (h) % dissolved 0 0.0 0.25 1 0.5 45 1 97 2 108 3 114

The finished composition, which contains a 50:50 mixture of MR and IR particles calculated on their sodium oxybate content, was prepared as follows: 153.3 g of the above IR particles, 204.3 g of the above MR coated particles, 6.2 g of Malic acid (D/L malic acid regular from Bartek), 2.7 g of xanthan gum (Xantural™ 75 from CP Kelco), 4.1 g of carragenan gum (Viscarin™ PH209 from FMC Biopolymer), 4. Ig of hydroxyethylcellulose (Natrosol™ 250M from Ashland) and 1.9 g of magnesium stearate (from Peter Greven) were mixed in a Roue-Roehn mixer. Individual doses of 6.85 g (corresponding to a 4.5 g dose with half of the dose as immediate-release fraction and half of the dose as modified release fraction) were weighed.

FIG. 61 and Table 15n depict the dissolution profiles determined in 0.1N HCl using a USP apparatus 2. The dissolution medium was maintained at 37.0±0.5° C. and the rotating paddle speed was fixed at 75 rpm. Single dose units were poured in a container containing 50 mL of tap water. After 5 minutes, the suspension was poured in the dissolution vessel containing 840 mL of 0.1N HCl dissolution medium. 10 mL of water were used to rinse the container and were added to the dissolution vessel.

TABLE 15n Time (h) % dissolved 0 0 0.25 48 1 52 3 52 4 52 6 55 8 76 10 95 12 100 16 100 20 100 Based on the dissolution profile of the MR coated particles in pH 6.8 phosphate buffer, single dose units are expected to have the dissolution profile in pH6.8 buffer shown in FIG. 62 and in Table 15o.

TABLE 15o Time (h) % dissolved in pH 6.8 buffer 0 0.0 0.25 51 0.5 72 1 99 2 104 3 107

Example 16. Evaluation of Different Hydrophobic Compounds in the Coating

Prototypes with different hydrophobic coatings were prepared and evaluated to determine the effect of coating type on the dissolution of the formulations.

Example 16a—Glyceryl Dibehenate (Compritol™ AT0888)

IR particles were prepared as follows: 1615.0 g of Sodium Oxybate and 85.0 g of water soluble polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone (Povidone—Plasdone™ K30 from ISP) were solubilized in 1903.2 g of absolute ethyl alcohol and 1267. Ig of water. The solution was entirely sprayed onto 300 g of microcrystalline cellulose spheres (Cellets™ 127 from Pharmatrans) in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus GPCG1.1. Sodium oxybate IR particles with mean diameter of 268 microns were obtained.

MR coated particles were prepared as follows: 22.9 g of Methacrylic acid copolymer Type C (Eudragit™ L100-55 from Evonik), 45.8 g of Methacrylic acid copolymer Type B (Eudragit™ S100 from Evonik), 102.9 g of glyceryl dibehenate (Compritol™ ATO 888 from Gattefossé), were dissolved in 1371.8 g of isopropanol at 78° C. The solution was sprayed entirely on 400.0 g of IR particles in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus Glatt™ G.P.C.G.1.1 with inlet temperature 48° C., spraying rate around 11.7 g per min and atomization pressure 1.6 bar. MR microparticles were dried for 2 hours with inlet temperature set to 56° C. Sodium oxybate MR coated particles with mean diameter of 322 microns were obtained.

17.0 g of MR coated particles were mixed with 0.1 g of magnesium stearate (from Peter Greven). The dissolution profile of 4000 mg of the mixture which corresponds to 2250 mg of sodium oxybate per vessel was determined using the USP apparatus 2 in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl medium and in pH 6.8 phosphate buffer (0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate solution—pH adjusted to 6.8 with 5N NaOH). Dissolution medium temperature was maintained at 37.0±0.5° C., and the rotating paddle speed was set at 75 rpm. The release profile is shown in FIG. 63 and Tables 16a and 16b.

TABLE 16a Dissolution profile - 0.1N HCl Time (h) % dissolved 0 0 0.25 0 1 1 3 3 4 6 6 31 8 67 10 90 12 98 16 100

TABLE 16b Dissolution profile - 50 mM pH 6.8 phosphate buffer Time (h) % dissolved 0 0 0.25 1 1 102 3 105

The finished composition, which contains a 50:50 mixture of MR and IR particles calculated on their sodium oxybate content, was prepared as follows: 181.1 g of the above IR particles, 258.7 g of the above MR coated particles, 7.3 g of Malic acid (D/L malic acid regular from Bartek), 3.3 g of xanthan gum (Xantural™ 75 from CP Kelco), 4.9 g of carragenan gum (Viscarin™ PH209 from FMC Biopolymer), 4.9 g of hydroxyethylcellulose (Natrosol™ 250M from Ashland) and 2.3 g of magnesium stearate (from Peter Greven) were mixed in a Roue-Roehn mixer. Individual doses of 7.12 g (corresponding to a 4.5 g dose with half of the dose as immediate-release fraction and half of the dose as modified release fraction) were weighed.

FIG. 64 and Table 16c depict dissolution profiles determined in 0.1N HCl using a USP apparatus 2. The dissolution medium was maintained at 37.0±0.5° C. and the rotating paddle speed was fixed at 75 rpm. Single dose units were poured in a container containing 50 mL of tap water. After 5 minutes, the suspension was poured in the dissolution vessel containing 840 mL of 0.1N HCl dissolution medium. 10 mL of water were used to rinse the container and were added to the dissolution vessel.

TABLE 16c Time (hour) % dissolved in 0.1N HCl 0 0 0.25 46 1 50 3 51 4 56 6 78 8 92 10 96 12 97 16 96 Based on the dissolution profile of the MR microparticles alone in pH 6.8 phosphate buffer, single dose units are expected to have the dissolution profile at pH6.8 shown in FIG. 65 and in Table 16d.

TABLE 16d Time (hour) % dissolved in pH 6.8 buffer 0 0 0.25 50 1 101 3 102

Example 16b—60% Candelilla Wax with Coating Level of 20%

IR particles were prepared as follows: 1615.1 g of Sodium Oxybate and 85.0 g of water soluble polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone (Povidone—Plasdone™ K30 from ISP) were solubilized in 1894.4 g of absolute ethyl alcohol and 1262.9 g of water. The solution was entirely sprayed onto 300 g of microcrystalline cellulose spheres (Cellets™ 127 from Pharmatrans) in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus GPCG1.1. Sodium oxybate IR particles with mean diameter of 255 microns were obtained.

MR coated particles were prepared as follows: 13.3 g of Methacrylic acid copolymer Type C (Eudragit™ L100-55 from Evonik), 26.7 g of Methacrylic acid copolymer Type B (Eudragit™ S100 from Evonik), 60.0 g of candelilla wax (Kahlwax™ 2039L from Brenntag), were dissolved in 902.2 g of isopropanol at 78° C. The solution was sprayed entirely on 400.0 g of IR particles in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus Glatt™ G.P.C.G.1.1 with inlet temperature 48° C., spraying rate around 12.8 g per min and atomization pressure 1.3 bar. MR microparticles were dried for 2 hours with inlet temperature set to 56° C. Sodium oxybate MR coated particles with mean diameter of 289 microns were obtained.

21.2 g of MR microparticles were mixed with 0.11 g of magnesium stearate (from Peter Greven). The dissolution profile of 4000 mg of the mixture which corresponds to 2570 mg of sodium oxybate per vessel was determined using the USP apparatus 2 in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl medium and in pH 6.8 phosphate buffer (0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate solution—pH adjusted to 6.8 with 5N NaOH). Dissolution medium temperature was maintained at 37.0±0.5° C., and the rotating paddle speed was set at 75 rpm. The release profiles are shown below in FIG. 66 and Tables 16e and 16f.

TABLE 16e Dissolution profile - 0.1N HCl Time (h) % dissolved 0 0 0.25 0 1 0 3 0 4 1 6 2 8 2 10 2 12 2 16 3 20 4

TABLE 16f Dissolution profile - 50 mM pH 6.8 phosphate buffer Time (h) % dissolved 0 0 0.25 0 0.5 10 0.75 62 1 89 2 101 The qualitative composition of 4.5 g dose units comprising 50% of the dose as IR fraction and 50% of the dose as MR fraction is described in Table 16 g.

TABLE 16g Quantity per Component Function 4.5 g dose (g) MR microparticles Modified release fraction 3.483 of sodium oxybate IR microparticles Immediate release 2.786 fraction of sodium oxybate Malic acid Acidifying agent 0.113 Xanthan gum Suspending agent 0.050 Hydroxyethylcellulose Suspending agent 0.075 Carrageenan gum Suspending agent 0.075 Magnesium stearate Lubricant 0.033 Total 6.615

The finished composition, which contains a 50:50 mixture of MR and IR particles calculated on their sodium oxybate content, can be prepared as follows: 200.0 g of the above IR particles, 250.0 g of the above MR coated particles, 8.1 g of Malic acid (D/L malic acid regular from Bartek), 3.6 g of xanthan gum (Xantural™ 75 from CP Kelco), 5.4 g of carragenan gum (Viscarin™ PH209 from FMC Biopolymer), 5.4 g of hydroxyethylcellulose (Natrosol™ 250M from Ashland) and 2.4 g of magnesium stearate (from Peter Greven) were mixed in a Roue-Roehn mixer. Individual doses of 6.61 g (corresponding to a 4.5 g dose with half of the dose as immediate-release fraction and half of the dose as modified release fraction) were weighed.

After reconstitution, the finished composition is expected to provide the dissolution profiles in FIGS. 67 and 68 and Tables 16h and 16i in 0.1N HCl and in pH6.8 phosphate buffer (0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate solution with pH adjusted to 6.8 with 5N NaOH) using a USP apparatus 2, at 37.0±0.5° C. and the rotating paddle speed at 75 rpm.

TABLE 16h Time (hour) % dissolved in 0.1N HCl 0 0 0.25 50 1 50 3 50 4 50 6 51 8 51 10 51 12 51 16 52 20 52

TABLE 16i Time (hour) % dissolved in pH 6.8 buffer 0 0 0.25 50 0.5 55 0.75 81 1 94 2 100

Example 16c—40% Candelilla Wax (Coating Level=20%)

IR particles were prepared as follows: 1615.1 g of Sodium Oxybate and 85.0 g of water soluble polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone (Povidone—Plasdone™ K30 from ISP) were solubilized in 1894.4 g of absolute ethyl alcohol and 1262.9 g of water. The solution was entirely sprayed onto 300 g of microcrystalline cellulose spheres (Cellets™ 127 from Pharmatrans) in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus GPCG1.1. Sodium oxybate IR particles with mean diameter of 270 microns were obtained.

MR coated particles were prepared as follows: 20.0 g of Methacrylic acid copolymer Type C (Eudragit™ L100-55 from Evonik), 40.0 g of Methacrylic acid copolymer Type B (Eudragit™ S100 from Evonik), 40.0 g of candelilla wax (Kahlwax™ 2039L from Brenntag), were dissolved in 904.0 g of isopropanol at 78° C. The solution was sprayed entirely on 400.0 g of IR particles in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus Glatt™ G.P.C.G.1.1 with inlet temperature 48° C., spraying rate around 10.9 g per min and atomization pressure 1.3 bar. MR microparticles were dried for 2 hours with inlet temperature set to 56° C. Sodium oxybate MR coated particles with mean diameter of 302 microns were obtained.

17.0 g of MR microparticles were mixed with 0.08 g of magnesium stearate (from Peter Greven). The dissolution profile of 3500 mg of the mixture which corresponds to 2250 mg of sodium oxybate per vessel was determined using the USP apparatus 2 in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl medium and pH 6.8 phosphate buffer (0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate solution—pH adjusted to 6.8 with 5N NaOH) is given in FIG. 69 and Tables 16j and 16k. Dissolution medium temperature was maintained at 37.0±0.5° C., and the rotating paddle speed was set at 75 rpm.

TABLE 16j Dissolution profile in 0.1N HCl Time (h) % dissolved 0 0 0.25 0 1 3 3 6 4 8 6 9 8 15 10 37 12 70 16 97 20 100

TABLE 16k Dissolution profile in 50 mM pH 6.8 phosphate buffer Time (h) % dissolved 0 0 0.25 24 0.5 86 0.75 99 1 100 2 100 The qualitative composition of 4.5 g dose units comprising 50% of the dose as IR fraction and 50% of the dose as MR fraction is described in Table 16l.

TABLE 16l Quantity per Component Function 4.5 g dose (g) MR microparticles Modified release fraction 3.483 of sodium oxybate IR microparticles Immediate release 2.786 fraction of sodium oxybate Malic acid Acidifying agent 0.113 Xanthan gum Suspending agent 0.050 Hydroxyethylcellulose Suspending agent 0.075 Carrageenan gum Suspending agent 0.075 Magnesium stearate Lubricant 0.033 Total 6.615

The finished composition, which contains a 50:50 mixture of MR and IR particles calculated on their sodium oxybate content, was prepared as follows: 122.7 g of the above IR particles, 153.2 g of the above MR coated particles, 5.0 g of malic acid (D/L malic acid regular from Bartek), 2.2 g of xanthan gum (Xantural™ 75 from CP Kelco), 3.3 g of carragenan gum (Viscarin™ PH209 from FMC Biopolymer), 3.3 g of hydroxyethylcellulose (Natrosol™ 250M from Ashland) and 1.5 g of magnesium stearate (from Peter Greven) were mixed in a Roue-Roehn mixer. Individual doses of 6.62 g (corresponding to a 4.5 g dose with half of the dose as immediate-release fraction and half of the dose as modified release fraction) were weighed.

FIG. 70 and Table 16m depict dissolution profiles determined using a USP apparatus 2 in 0.1N HCl. The dissolution medium was maintained at 37.0±0.5° C. and the rotating paddle speed was fixed at 75 rpm. Single dose units were poured in a container containing 50 mL of tap water. After 5 minutes, the suspension was poured in the dissolution vessel containing 840 mL of 0.1N HCl dissolution medium. 10 mL of water were used to rinse the container and were added to the dissolution vessel.

TABLE 16m Time (hour) % dissolved in 0.1N HCl 0 0 0.25 47 1 51 3 51 4 52 6 52 8 55 10 72 12 89 16 97 Based on the dissolution profile of the MR coated particles in pH6.8 phosphate buffer, 4.5 g single dose units of the finished compositions are expected to provide the dissolution profile in pH 6.8 phosphate buffer shown in FIG. 71 and in Table 16n.

TABLE 16n Time (h) % dissolved in pH 6.8 buffer 0 0 0.25 62 0.5 93 0.75 99 1 100 2 100

Example 16d—60% Cetyl Alcohol (Kolliwax™ CA)

IR particles were prepared as follows: 1615.1 g of Sodium Oxybate and 85.0 g of water soluble polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone (Povidone—Plasdone™ K30 from ISP) were solubilized in 1898.7 g of absolute ethyl alcohol and 1262.9 g of water. The solution was entirely sprayed onto 300 g of microcrystalline cellulose spheres (Cellets™ 127 from Pharmatrans) in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus GPCG1.1. Sodium oxybate IR particles with mean diameter of 272 microns were obtained.

MR coated particles were prepared as follows: 22.8 g of methacrylic acid copolymer Type C (Eudragit™ L100-55 from Evonik), 45.8 g of Methacrylic acid copolymer Type B (Eudragit™ S100 from Evonik), 102.9 g of cetyl alcohol (Kolliwax™ CA from BASF), were dissolved in 1472.5 g of isopropanol and 77.7 g of water at room temperature. The solution was sprayed entirely on 400.0 g of IR particles in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus Glatt™ G.P.C.G.1.1 with inlet temperature 48° C., spraying rate around 14.5 g per min and atomization pressure 2.5 bar. Sodium oxybate MR coated particles with mean diameter of 315 microns were obtained.

16.4 g of MR microparticles were mixed with 0.08 g of magnesium stearate (from Peter Greven). The dissolution profile of 4000 mg of the mixture which corresponds to 2250 mg of sodium oxybate per vessel was determined using the USP apparatus 2 in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl medium is given in FIG. 72 and Table 16o. Dissolution medium temperature was maintained at 37.0±0.5° C., and the rotating paddle speed was set at 75 rpm.

TABLE 16o Time (h) % dissolved in 0.1N HCl 0 0 0.25 13 1 84 3 103 4 103 6 103 8 103 10 104 12 104 16 103 20 102

Example 17. Effect of Eudragit™ Selection in the Coating of the MR Microparticles

Further prototypes were developed and evaluate to determine the effect of the Eudragit™ selected on the dissolution of the MR microparticles.

Example 17a—100% Eudragit™ S100

IR particles were prepared as follows: 1615.0 g of Sodium Oxybate and 85.0 g of water soluble polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone (Povidone—Plasdone™ K30 from ISP) were solubilized in 1894.3 g of absolute ethyl alcohol and 1262.9 g of water. The solution was entirely sprayed onto 300 g of microcrystalline cellulose spheres (Cellets™ 127 from Pharmatrans) in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus GPCG1.1. Sodium oxybate IR particles with mean diameter of 285 microns were obtained.

Sodium oxybate IR seal-coated particles were prepared by coating the IR particles described above with a seal-coat layer: 170.0 g of hydroxypropylcellulose (Klucel™ EF Pharm from Hercules) were solubilized in 4080.0 g of acetone. The solution was entirely sprayed onto 1530.0 g of the above IR particles in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus. Sodium oxybate IR particles with volume mean diameter of about 298 microns were obtained.

MR coated particles were prepared as follows: 100.0 g of Methacrylic acid copolymer Type B (Eudragit™ S100 from Evonik), 150.0 g of Hydrogenated cottonseed oil (Lubritab™ from JRS), were dissolved in 2250.0 g of isopropanol at 78° C. The solution was sprayed entirely on 750.0 g of the above IR particles in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus Glatt™ G.P.C.G.1.1 with inlet temperature 48° C., spraying rate around 12.0 g per min and atomization pressure 1.6 bar. MR microparticles were dried for 2 hours with inlet temperature set to 56° C. Sodium oxybate MR coated particles with mean diameter of 307 microns were obtained.

The dissolution profile of 2100 mg of the mixture which corresponds to 1253 mg of sodium oxybate per vessel was determined using the USP apparatus 2 in 500 ml of 0.1N HCl medium is reported in FIG. 73 and Table 17a. Dissolution medium temperature was maintained at 37.0±0.5° C., and the rotating paddle speed was set at 100 rpm.

TABLE 17a Time (h) % dissolved 0 0 0.25 0 1 1 3 3 4 4 6 9 8 30 10 60 12 81 16 92

The finished composition, which contains a 50:50 mixture of MR and IR particles calculated on their sodium oxybate content, was prepared as follows: 425.0 g of the above IR seal-coated particles, 510.0 g of the above MR coated particles, 30.9 g of malic acid (D/L malic acid regular from Bartek), 4.9 g of xanthan gum (Xantural™ 180 from CP Kelco), 4.9 g of Aerosil™ 200 (amorphous anhydrous colloidal silicon dioxide from Evonik) and 9.9 g of magnesium stearate (from Peter Greven) were mixed in a Roue-Roehn mixer. Individual doses of 7.18 g (corresponding to a 4.5 g dose with half of the dose as immediate-release fraction and half of the dose as modified release fraction) were weighed.

FIG. 74 and Table 17b below depict dissolution profiles determined using a USP apparatus 2 in 0.1N HCl. The dissolution medium was maintained at 37.0±0.5° C. and the rotating paddle speed was fixed at 100 rpm. Single dose units were poured in a container containing 50 mL of tap water. After 5 minutes, the suspension was poured in the dissolution vessel containing 840 mL of 0.1N HCl dissolution medium. 10 mL of water were used to rinse the container and were added to the dissolution vessel.

TABLE 17b Time (hour) % dissolved in 0.1N HCl 0 0 0.25 50 1 50 3 50 4 51 6 55 8 67 10 84 12 91 16 94

FIG. 75 and Table 17c depict the dissolution profile determined using a USP apparatus 2 in phosphate buffer pH 6.8 (0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate solution—pH adjusted to 6.8 with 5N NaOH). The dissolution medium was maintained at 37.0±0.5° C. and the rotating paddle speed was fixed at 100 rpm. Single dose units were poured in a container containing 50 mL of tap water. After 5 minutes, the suspension was poured in the dissolution vessel containing 840 mL of pH 6.8 dissolution medium. 10 mL of water were used to rinse the container and were added to the dissolution vessel.

TABLE 17c Time (hour) % dissolved 0 0 0.25 50 1 51 3 54 4 56 6 93 8 99 10 100 12 100 16 97

Example 17b—100% Eudragit™ L100-55

IR particles were prepared as follows: 1615.0 g of Sodium Oxybate and 85.1 g of water soluble polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone (Povidone—Plasdone™ K30 from ISP) were solubilized in 1896.2 g of absolute ethyl alcohol and 1264.4 g of water. The solution was entirely sprayed onto 300 g of microcrystalline cellulose spheres (Cellets™ 127 from Pharmatrans) in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus GPCG1.1. Sodium oxybate IR particles with mean diameter of 275 microns were obtained.

MR coated particles were prepared as follows: 68.7 g of Methacrylic acid copolymer Type C (Eudragit™ L100-55 from Evonik), 102.9 g of hydrogenated cottonseed oil (Lubritab™ from JRS), were dissolved in 1543.2 g of isopropanol at 78° C. The solution was sprayed entirely on 400.0 g of IR particles in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus Glatt™ G.P.C.G.1.1 with inlet temperature 46° C., spraying rate around 12.7 g per min and atomization pressure 1.3 bar. MR microparticles were dried for 2 hours with inlet temperature set to 56° C. Sodium oxybate MR coated particles with mean diameter of 328 microns were obtained.

17.0 g of MR microparticles were mixed with 0.09 g of magnesium stearate (from Peter Greven). The dissolution profile in of 4000 mg of the mixture which corresponds to 2250 mg of sodium oxybate per vessel was determined using the USP apparatus 2 in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl medium and in pH 6.8 phosphate buffer (0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate solution—pH adjusted to 6.8 with 5N NaOH) is given in FIG. 76 and Tables 17d and 17e. Dissolution medium temperature was maintained at 37.0±0.5° C., and the rotating paddle speed was set at 100 rpm.

TABLE 17d Dissolution profile in 0.1N HCl Time (h) % dissolved 0 0 0.25 0 1 2 3 3 4 6 6 53 8 95 10 99 12 99 16 99 20 99

TABLE 17e Dissolution profile in 50 mM pH 6.8 phosphate buffer Time (h) % dissolved 0 0 0.25 21 0.5 99 0.75 103 1 103 2 103

The finished composition, which contains a 50:50 mixture of MR and IR particles calculated on their sodium oxybate content, was prepared as follows: 153.3 g of the above IR particles, 219.0 g of the above MR coated particles, 6.2 g of malic acid (D/L malic acid regular from Bartek), 2.8 g of xanthan gum (Xantural™ 75 from CP Kelco), 4.1 g of carragenan gum (Viscarin™ PH209 from FMC Biopolymer), 4. Ig of hydroxyethylcellulose (Natrosol™ 250M from Ashland) and 1.9 g of magnesium stearate (from Peter Greven) were mixed in a Roue-Roehn mixer. Individual doses of 7.12 g (corresponding to a 4.5 g dose with half of the dose as immediate-release fraction and half of the dose as modified release fraction) were weighed.

FIG. 77 and Table 17f depict dissolution profiles determined using a USP apparatus 2 in 0.1N HCl. The dissolution medium was maintained at 37.0±0.5° C. and the rotating paddle speed was fixed at 75 rpm. Single dose units were poured in a container containing 50 mL of tap water. After 5 minutes, the suspension was poured in the dissolution vessel containing 840 mL of 0.1N HCl dissolution medium. 10 mL of water were used to rinse the container and were added to the dissolution vessel.

TABLE 17f Time (hour) % dissolved 0 0 0.25 46 1 51 3 52 4 59 6 94 8 98 10 98 12 98 16 98

Based on the dissolution profile of the MR coated particles in pH6.8 phosphate buffer, 4.5 g single dose units of the finished compositions are expected to provide the dissolution profile in pH 6.8 phosphate buffer in FIG. 78 and Table 17 g.

TABLE 17g Time (h) % dissolved in pH 6.8 buffer 0 0 0.25 61 0.5 99 0.75 101 1 101 2 101

Example 17c—Mixture Eudragit™ L100-S100 (50-50)

IR particles were prepared as follows: 1615.0 g of Sodium Oxybate and 85.0 g of water soluble polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone (Povidone—Plasdone™ K30 from ISP) were solubilized in 1903.2 g of absolute ethyl alcohol and 1267. Ig of water. The solution was entirely sprayed onto 300 g of microcrystalline cellulose spheres (Cellets™ 127 from Pharmatrans) in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus GPCG1.1. Sodium oxybate IR particles with mean diameter of 268 microns were obtained.

MR coated particles were prepared as follows: 34.3 g of Methacrylic acid copolymer Type A (Eudragit™ L100 from Evonik), 34.3 g of Methacrylic acid copolymer Type B (Eudragit™ S100 from Evonik), 102.9 g of Hydrogenated cottonseed oil (Lubritab™ from JRS), were dissolved in 1543.0 g of isopropanol at 78° C. The solution was sprayed entirely on 400.0 g of IR particles in a fluid bed spray coater apparatus Glatt™ G.P.C.G.1.1 with inlet temperature 48° C., spraying rate around 11.8 g per min and atomization pressure 1.3 bar. MR microparticles were dried for 2 hours with inlet temperature set to 56° C. Sodium oxybate MR coated particles with mean diameter of 316 microns were obtained.

24.0 g of MR microparticles were mixed with 0.12 g of magnesium stearate (from Peter Greven). The dissolution profile of 4050 mg of the mixture which corresponds to 2280 mg of sodium oxybate per vessel was determined using the USP apparatus 2 in 900 ml of 0.1N HCl medium and in pH 6.8 phosphate buffer (0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate solution—pH adjusted to 6.8 with 5N NaOH) is given in FIG. 79 and Tables 17h and 17i. Dissolution medium temperature was maintained at 37.0±0.5° C., and the rotating paddle speed was set at 100 rpm.

TABLE 17h Dissolution profile in 0.1N HCl Time (h) % dissolved 0 0 0.25 0 1 2 3 2 4 3 6 7 8 31 10 62 12 83 16 98 20 100

TABLE 17i Dissolution profile in 50 mM pH 6.8 phosphate buffer Time (h) % dissolved 0 0 0.25 2 0.5 5 0.75 13 1 47 2 101

The finished composition, which contains a 50:50 mixture of MR and IR particles calculated on their sodium oxybate content, was prepared as follows: 223.0 g of the above IR particles, 318.4 g of the above MR coated particles, 11.2 g of malic acid (D/L malic acid regular from Bartek), 4.0 g of xanthan gum (Xantural™ 75 from CP Kelco), 6.0 g of carragenan gum (Viscarin™ PH209 from FMC Biopolymer), 6.0 g of hydroxyethylcellulose (Natrosol™ 250M from Ashland) and 2.9 g of magnesium stearate (from Peter Greven) were mixed in a Roue-Roehn mixer. Individual doses of 7.14 g (corresponding to a 4.5 g dose with half of the dose as immediate-release fraction and half of the dose as modified release fraction) were weighed.

FIG. 80 and Table 17j depict dissolution profiles determined using a USP apparatus 2 in 0.1N HCl. The dissolution medium was maintained at 37.0±0.5° C. and the rotating paddle speed was fixed at 75 rpm. Single dose units were poured in a container containing 50 mL of tap water. After 5 minutes, the suspension was poured in the dissolution vessel containing 840 mL of 0.1N HCl dissolution medium. 10 mL of water were used to rinse the container and were added to the dissolution vessel.

TABLE 17j Time (hour) % dissolved 0 0 0.25 47 1 51 3 51 6 59 8 80 10 92 12 96 16 97 Based on the dissolution profile of the MR coated particles in pH6.8 phosphate buffer, 4.5 g single dose units of the finished composition are expected to have the dissolution profile in pH 6.8 phosphate buffer given in FIG. 81 and Table 17k.

TABLE 17k Time (h) % dissolved in pH 6.8 buffer 0 0 0.25 51 0.5 53 0.75 56 1 73 2 100

Example 18. In Vivo Pharmacokinetic Study of Finished Composition According to Example 1 (Dose Escalating Study)

Pharmacokinetic testing was undertaken in vivo in healthy human volunteers. Pharmacokinetic parameters were normalized by the dose. To assess the dose-proportionality, log-transformed dose-normalized PK parameters were pairwise compared according to the statistical methodology described in FDA's 2013 Draft Guidance entitled BIOEQUIVALENCE STUDIES WITH PHARMACOKINETIC ENDPOINTS FOR DRUGS SUBMITTED UNDER AN ANDA (2013). All testing was performed in subjects two hours after eating a standardized dinner. A test product with finished composition of Example 1 and manufactured at larger scale was administered in sequential ascending doses, 4.5 g, 7.5 g and 9 g, one week apart. The tested samples were manufactured as described in Table 1c for 4.5 g and quantities were homothetically adjusted for the other strengths. The dissolution profiles of the MR portions of the test product are presented in FIGS. 86 and 87. The dissolution profiles of the test product are presented in FIGS. 88 and 89. The individual concentrations of gamma-hydroxybutyrate and derived PK parameters are summarized below (Tables 18a and 18b) and in FIG. 90.

TABLE 18a Pharmacokinetic Parameters of 4.5 g, 7.5 g, and 9 g Finished Mean Mean Mean Median Mean composition C_(max) AUC_(inf) AUC_(8 h) T_(max) C_(8 h) of test (μg/mL) (μg/mL*h) (μg/mL*h) (hour) (μg/mL) product (% CV) (% CV) (% CV) (min-max) (% CV) 4.5 g 42.9 (37) 191 (50) 174 (55) 1.71 (0.333-4) 4.76 (105) 7.5 g 72.0 (32) 357 (48) 320 (46) 1.5 (0.333-7) 19.7 (101) 9.0 g 84.5 (34) 443 (46) 379 (41) 2 (0.5-4) 25.5 (97)

AUC and C_(max) values increased more than dose-proportionally with increasing doses of gamma-hydroxybutyrate formulated as the test product.

TABLE 18b Mean plasma concentration of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (microgram/mL) versus time of finished composition of test product Test product 4.5 g Test product 7.5 g Test product 9 g (2 h after meal) (2 h after meal) (2 h after meal) Time (hr) (N = 20) (N = 20) (N = 12) 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.167 12.5 17.7 9.34 0.333 23.4 39.0 32.7 0.5 28.1 48.4 47.5 1 34.7 59.8 60.9 1.5 36.7 63.8 71.6 2 35.7 61.6 79.3 2.5 34.7 56.0 64.9 3 29.8 50.1 65.3 3.5 26.9 46.0 60.0 4 23.5 40.9 60.8 4.5 20.1 36.6 48.8 5 17.3 32.7 45.3 5.5 15.4 30.8 41.3 6 13.4 28.7 37.6 7 9.66 24.7 30.5 8 4.76 19.7 25.5 10 0.727 6.97 13.0 12 0.211 1.35 5.13 14 NC 0.392 0.820 NC: Not Calculated

Table 18c compares the pharmacokinetic parameters AUC_(inf) and C_(8h) obtained for 4.5 g of the test product to the same parameters calculated 2×2.25 g, i.e. 4.5 g total dose of Xyrem®.

TABLE 18c Comparison to 4.5 g divided dose of Xyrem ® Ratio (%) Ratio (%) Mean C_(8 h) Mean AUC_(inf) C_(8 h) composition to AUC_(inf) composition to (μg/mL) C_(8 h) Xyrem ® (μg/mL*h) AUC_(inf) Xyrem ® Xyrem ® 9.24 NA 214 NA 2 × 2.25 g * Test product 4.76 52% 191 89% 4.5 g * data from the pilot PK study of example 3

Table 18d compares the pharmacokinetic parameters AUC_(inf) and C_(8h) obtained for 7.5 g of the test product to the same parameters calculated 2×3.75 g, i.e. 7.5 g total dose of Xyrem®.

TABLE 18d Comparison to 7.5 g divided dose of Xyrem ® Ratio (%) Ratio (%) Mean C_(8 h) Mean AUC_(inf) C_(8 h) composition to AUC_(inf) composition to (μg/mL) C_(8 h) Xyrem ® (μg/mL*h) AUC_(inf) Xyrem ® Xyrem ® 24.1 NA 432 NA 2 × 3.75 g * (extrapolation from 2 × 4.5 g *) Test product 19.7 82% 357 83% 7.5 g * based on data from NDA #21-196

Table 18e compares the pharmacokinetic parameters AUC_(inf) and C_(8h) obtained for 7.5 g and 9 g of the test product to the same parameters calculated for 2×4.5 g, i.e. 9 g total dose of Xyrem®.

TABLE 18e Comparison to 9 g divided dose of Xyrem ® Ratio (%) Ratio (%) Mean C_(8 h) Mean AUC_(inf) C_(8 h) composition to AUC_(inf) composition to (μg/mL) C_(8 h) Xyrem ® (μg/mL*h) AUC_(inf) Xyrem ® Xyrem ® 28.9 NA 518 NA 2 × 4.5 g * Test product 19.7 68% 357 69% 7.5 g Test product 25.5 88% 443 86% 9 g * data from NDA #21-196

For the finished composition administered at 4.5 g, mean C_(6h), mean C_(7h) are greater than, and mean C_(10h) are less than, the mean C_(4h) of the dose of Xyrem®. In addition, the ratio C_(3h)/C_(max)(Xyrem®) is 1.03. The ratio C_(4h)/C_(max)(Xyrem®) is 0.81. The ratio C_(4.5h)/C_(max)(Xyrem®) is 0.69.

For the finished composition administered at 7.5 g, mean C_(6h), mean C_(7h) are greater than, and mean C_(10h) are less than, the mean C_(4h) of the dose of Xyrem®. In addition, the ratio C_(3h)/C_(max)(Xyrem®) is 0.77. The ratio C_(4h)/C_(max)(Xyrem®) is 0.63. The ratio C_(4.5h)/C_(max)(Xyrem®) is 0.57.

For the finished composition administered at 9 g, mean C_(6h), mean C_(7h) are greater than, and mean C_(10h) are less than, the mean C_(4h) of the dose of Xyrem®. In addition, the ratio C_(3h)/C_(max)(Xyrem®) is 0.84. The ratio C_(4h)/C_(max)(Xyrem®) is 0.78. The ratio C_(4.5h)/C_(max)(Xyrem®) is 0.63.

For the finished composition administered at 7.5 g compared to Xyrem® at 2×4.5 g, i.e. total dose of 9 g, the ratio C_(3h)/C_(max)(Xyrem®) is 0.65. The ratio C_(4h)/C_(max)(Xyrem®) is 0.53. The ratio C_(4.5h)/C_(max)(Xyrem®) is 0.47.

Throughout this application, various publications are referenced. The disclosures of these publications in their entireties are hereby incorporated by reference into this application in order to more fully describe the state of the art to which this invention pertains. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims. 

1. (canceled)
 2. A modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate, wherein a 7.5 g dose of the formulation has been shown to achieve a mean AUC_(inf) of greater than 340 hr*microgram/mL, and a mean C_(8h) that is from 50% to 130% of the mean C_(8h) provided by an equal dose of immediate release liquid solution of sodium oxybate administered at to and t_(4h) in equally divided doses approximately two hours after a standardized evening meal.
 3. (canceled)
 4. A modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate comprising immediate release and modified release portions, wherein: a) the formulation releases at least 80% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at 3 hours when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, b) the formulation releases from 10% to 65%, of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at one hour and three hours when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, and c) the modified release portion releases greater than 80% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at 3 hours in a dissolution test started in 750 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid for 2 hours then switched to 950 mL 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer adjusted to pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm.
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 6. (canceled)
 7. (canceled)
 8. A modified release formulation of gamma-hydroxybutyrate comprising immediate release and modified release portions, wherein: a) said immediate release portion releases greater than 80% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at one hour when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm; b) said modified release portion releases less than 20% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at one hour when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm; c) said modified release portion releases greater than 80% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at three hours when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm; and d) said modified release portion releases greater than 80% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at 3 hours in a dissolution test started in 750 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid for 2 hours then switched to 950 mL 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer adjusted to pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm.
 9. (canceled)
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 21. (canceled)
 22. The formulation of claim 4, comprising immediate release and modified release portions, wherein said modified release portion releases greater than 80% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at one hour when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm.
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 24. (canceled)
 25. (canceled)
 26. The formulation of claim 4, wherein the formulation achieves an in vitro dissolution profile: a) measured in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, characterized by the percentage of gamma-hydroxybutyrate dissolved being: (i) from 40% to 65% at 1 hour, (ii) from 40% to 65% at 3 hours, (iii) from 47% to 85% at 8 hours, (iv) greater or equal to 60% at 10 hours, (v) greater or equal to 80% at 16 hours, and b) measured in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm, characterized by the percentage of gamma-hydroxybutyrate dissolved being: (i) from 43% to 94% at 0.25 hour, (ii) greater or equal to 65% at 0.35 hour, and (iii) greater or equal to 88% at 1 hour.
 27. (canceled)
 28. The formulation of claim 4, wherein a 7.5 g dose of the formulation has been shown to achieve a mean AUC_(inf) of greater than 340 hr·microgram/mL, and a mean C_(8h) that is from 50% to 130% of the mean C_(8h) provided by an equal dose of immediate release liquid solution of sodium oxybate administered at to and t_(4h) in equally divided doses approximately two hours after a standardized evening meal.
 29. (canceled)
 30. (canceled)
 31. (canceled)
 32. (canceled)
 33. The formulation of claim 4, wherein the ratio of gamma-hydroxybutyrate in the immediate release portion and the modified release portion is from 40/60 to 60/40.
 34. (canceled)
 35. The formulation of claim 4, wherein: a) the modified release portion comprises coated particles of gamma-hydroxybutyrate; b) the coating of said modified release particles of gamma-hydroxybutyrate comprises a polymer carrying free carboxylic groups and a hydrophobic compound having a melting point equal or greater than 40° C.; and c) the ratio of gamma-hydroxybutyrate in the immediate release portion and the modified release portion is from 10/90 to 65/35.
 36. The formulation of claim 4, wherein: a) the modified release portion comprises coated particles of gamma-hydroxybutyrate; b) the coating of said modified release particles of gamma-hydroxybutyrate comprises a polymer carrying free carboxylic groups and a hydrophobic compound having a melting point equal or greater than 40° C.; c) the weight ratio of the hydrophobic compound to the polymer carrying free carboxylic groups to is from 0.4 to 4; d) the ratio of gamma-hydroxybutyrate in the immediate release portion and the modified release portion is from 10/90 to 65/35; and e) the coating is from 10 to 50% of the weight of the particles.
 37. The formulation of claim 4, wherein: a) the modified release portion comprises coated particles of gamma-hydroxybutyrate; b) the coating of said modified release particles of gamma-hydroxybutyrate comprises a polymer carrying free carboxylic groups having a pH trigger of from 5.5 to 6.97 and a hydrophobic compound having a melting point equal or greater than 40° C.; c) the weight ratio of the hydrophobic compound to the polymer carrying free carboxylic groups is from 0.4 to 4; d) the ratio of gamma-hydroxybutyrate in the immediate release portion and the modified release portion is from 10/90 to 65/35; and e) the coating is from 10 to 50% of the weight of the particles.
 38. (canceled)
 39. The formulation of claim 35 wherein the polymer carrying free carboxylic groups is selected from the group consisting of: (meth)acrylic acid/alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymers or methacrylic acid and methyl methacrylate copolymers or methacrylic acid and ethyl acrylate copolymers or methacrylic acid copolymers type A, B or C, cellulose derivatives carrying free carboxylic groups, cellulose acetate phthalate, cellulose acetate succinate, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose phthalate carboxymethylethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate trimellitate, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose acetate succinate, polyvinyl acetate phthalate, zein, shellac, alginate, and mixtures thereof.
 40. The formulation of claim 35 wherein the polymer carrying free carboxylic groups is selected from the group consisting of copolymers of methacrylic acid and ethyl acrylate 1:1, copolymers of methacrylic acid and methylmethacrylate 1:2, and mixtures thereof.
 41. The formulation of claim 35 wherein the hydrophobic compound is selected from the group consisting of hydrogenated vegetable oils, vegetable waxes, wax yellow, wax white, wax microcrystalline, lanolin, anhydrous milk fat, hard fat suppository base, lauroyl macrogol glycerides, polyglyceryl diisostearate, diesters or triesters of glycerol with a fatty acid, and mixtures thereof.
 42. The formulation of claim 35 wherein the hydrophobic compound is selected from the group consisting of hydrogenated cottonseed oil, hydrogenated soybean oil, hydrogenated palm oil, glyceryl behenate, hydrogenated castor oil, candelilla wax, tristearin, tripalmitin, trimyristin, yellow wax, hard fat or fat that is useful as suppository bases, anhydrous dairy fats, lanolin, glyceryl palmitostearate, glyceryl stearate, lauryl macrogol glycerides, polyglyceryl diisostearate, diethylene glycol monostearate, ethylene glycol monostearate, omega 3 fatty acids, and mixtures thereof.
 43. The formulation of claim 35 wherein the hydrophobic compound is selected from the group consisting of hydrogenated cottonseed oil, hydrogenated soybean oil, hydrogenated palm oil, glyceryl behenate, hydrogenated castor oil, candelilla wax, tristearin, tripalmitin, trimyristin, beeswax, hydrogenated poly-1 decene, carnauba wax, and mixtures thereof.
 44. The formulation of claim 35 wherein: a) the polymer carrying free carboxylic groups comprises from 100% poly (methacrylic acid, ethyl acrylate) 1:1 and 0% poly (methacrylic acid, methylmethacrylate) 1:2 to 2% poly (methacrylic acid, ethyl acrylate) 1:1 and 98% poly (methacrylic acid, methylmethacrylate) 1:2; and b) the hydrophobic compound comprises hydrogenated vegetable oil.
 45. (canceled)
 46. (canceled)
 47. The formulation of claim 34 in the form of a powder that is intended to be dispersed in water prior to administration, further comprising an acidifying agent and a suspending or viscosifying agent.
 48. (canceled)
 49. The formulation of claim 34 in the form of a powder that is intended to be dispersed in water prior to administration, further comprising from 1 to 15% of a viscosifying or suspending agent.
 50. (canceled)
 51. (canceled)
 52. (canceled)
 53. (canceled)
 54. (canceled)
 55. (canceled)
 56. The formulation of claim 4 wherein a 4.5 g, 6.0 g, 7.5 g or 9.0 g dose of the formulation or any combination thereof has been shown to achieve a ratio of mean AUC_(8h) to mean AUC_(inf) of greater than 0.80 when administered once approximately two hours after a standardized evening meal.
 57. (canceled)
 58. (canceled)
 59. (canceled)
 60. The formulation of claim 4 wherein the modified release portion and the immediate release portion comprise structurally discreet modified release particles and immediate release particles.
 61. The formulation of claim 4 wherein the modified release portion and the immediate release portion comprise structurally indiscreet particles.
 62. (canceled)
 63. (canceled)
 64. The formulation of claim 4 in a dosage form selected from the group consisting of tablets, powders and capsules.
 65. The formulation of claim 4 wherein the gamma-hydroxybutyrate is in the form of sodium oxybate.
 66. The formulation of claim 4 in the form of a powder.
 67. The formulation of claim 4 effective to treat narcolepsy Type 1 or Type 2, wherein said treatment of narcolepsy is defined as reducing excessive daytime sleepiness or reducing the frequency of cataplectic attacks.
 68. The formulation of claim 4 effective to induce sleep for eight consecutive hours.
 69. (canceled)
 70. (canceled)
 71. (canceled)
 72. (canceled)
 73. The formulation of claim 4, wherein the formulation releases greater than 60% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at 10 hours when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.1N hydrochloric acid at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm.
 74. The formulation of claim 8, wherein said modified release portion releases greater than 80% of its gamma-hydroxybutyrate at one hour when tested in a dissolution apparatus 2 according to USP 38 <711> in 900 mL of 0.05M monobasic potassium phosphate buffer pH 6.8 at a temperature of 37° C. and a paddle speed of 75 rpm. 